Keeping A-Rod?

by chrisNYY on Aug 31, 2007 3:37 PM EDT

I'm curious what the consensus is on keeping A-Rod, given the contract issues. Since I'm wiling away the afternoon, pre-Labor Day, thought I'd pull together some of the stuff that's been posted on this.

Unless A-Rod stops hitting entirely for the next month, he looks like a lock for MVP. Given that his assent on the HR record will make him a draw for any team, I can't see him resisting Scott Boras' inevitable enjoinder to `take care of his family' and opt out of his contract. He surely doesn't need more money, but I actually kind of see his perspective on this. Taking out the astounding dollar figures (he's making $24M/yr and wants $30M/yr), he's looking for a 25% raise, which is actually fairly reasonable considering he's earned three MVP awards in the 7 years since he signed the 10-year contract.

The difficulty is still really Tom Hicks' original sin of giving him such a ridiculous contract. From a July post in Texas Ranger's blogland:

"To put Hicks' stupidity in perspective, Barry Zito is only getting $10 million this year. Mark Buehrle $9.75 million. Brad Penny $7.5 million. Josh Becket $6 million. Johan Santana $12 million. Jason Schmidt $12.5 million. Roy Oswalt $13 million."

The same year A-Rod signed with Texas, Manny Ramirez signed an 8-year $160M contract with Boston. Unless I've missed one, I believe A-Rod and Ramirez still have the #1 and #2 largest contracts in the game--seven years later. Clearly, these two guys benefited from Internet bubble-era economics almost as much as the Google boys. (Remember Alan Greenspan's caution of `irrational exuberance'? He could easily have been referring to A-Rod and Ramirez's contracts.)

Anyway, fast forward to today. A-Rod's breached 500 HRs, and at 32, he's arguably got more upside for a team today than he did when he signed the contract. Imagine what Bonds' home run chase would have been like if everybody outside of San Francisco didn't hate him. So A-Rod wants a raise. He's got two choices: negotiate with only one team OR opt out and see what the market will give him.

Clearly, Cashman is betting on the former. A couple of weeks ago, Newsday reported that Cashman wouldn't go after A-Rod if he opted out. Perhaps it's just positioning, but the Ranger's end of A-Rod's salary through 2010 is $21M, plus $9M in deferred money. This means that the Yankees are only really paying A-Rod about $17M a year, or 60 cents on the dollar. If he opts out and gets what Boras wants, then the Yankees (or whoever picks him up) would have to pay full freight.

I doubt A-Rod wants to leave storied New York, where a four-year freelance stint does not get you a place in Monument Park, but another contract likely does. But he is a.) arguably the greatest player ever, b.) in the midst of a torrid season and c.) represented by Scott Boras. So Cashman is in a tight spot. How does he play it?

Poll

How Should Cashman Handle A-Rod's Contract?

Whatever it takes, Cashman must ultimately bring A-Rod back

45 votes

If A-Rod opts out, Cashman should let him walk

26 votes

No extension, no raise: $30M is way too much

5 votes

Not enough information yet to make the call

4 votes

80 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 55 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

For the umpteenth time, ARod will sign an

extension with the Yankees and not opt out of his contract. The Yankees are the only team that can pay more because they have the most money and have Texas footing a chunk of the bill. If ARod opts out the Yanks will not sign him because they would then be on the hook for the full amount plus the luxury tax hit. ARod is great, but he is not worth $45,000,000 per season.

Also, if the Yankees drop out of negotiations then ARod will not get $30M so it is in his best interest to work it out too.

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on Aug 31, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I kept trying to edit the poll to add this option: Just get the extension done. Couldn't figure out how to edit the poll, though.

I agree that it's in both sides interest to get the extension done, but you never know. Never expected the Yankees to let Pettitte go to Houston.

by chrisNYY on Aug 31, 2007 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I think

he will get more money from Cash, perhaps up to the the 30 mil, get an extension and stay. I think though he will not really opt out of the contract because that means the Yanks lose the Texas money and so would any other team that tried to get him.

I think if he really does completely opt out it's not clear to me that the Yanks will negotiate for him, they loose the 12 mil that Texas is paying him and it makes the deal a hell of a lot more expensive for them.

by Greenfuzz on Aug 31, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

I reported the Cashman statement

about ARod first and was told by some journalists that I emailed about it, it was just old news. lol..The Bloggers rule baby...Arod needs to tell Boras what he wants to do. If he wants to stay here he should not opt out. The Yanks will pay him 100-125 million for 4 years on top of the 80 million that he's owed...Not too shabby...

by John Amato on Aug 31, 2007 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

Its ridiculous

what these players make. $30 mill/year is crazy.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 1, 2007 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions

If he stays with the current deal

it's $32 million. It's not ridiculous, it's market value. ;)

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 1, 2007 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Uhh,

sure, whatever makes you happy.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 1, 2007 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I need to find

my market value. I fear it's 32 million less than Arod's though.

RATS.

by matthaggs on Sep 1, 2007 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

What market

value means is that there is a minimum, mid point, and high. Arod currently averages $25million a year, $32 million exceeds the market value. I guess the way jscape is looking at it, $32 million is a bargain.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 1, 2007 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

No

But there is a minimium Arod is going to expect to be paid (slightly more than the next highest paid player in baseball) and there is a level that is a fair measure of what he's worth. A precedent has been set: he already knows he's worth $32 million dollars. I expect Boras to make the case that Arod deserves 'fair value' _from the Yankees_, and then the extra money coming in from the Rangers is gravy. I've read conflicting reports over how much that is, but the low is 8 million. I'm betting on a forty million dollar per year deal.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 1, 2007 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Please explain. He is currently the

highest paid player at $25M. How is $32M slightly more than someone else? Are you saying that $10M per year is only "slightly more?"

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on Sep 1, 2007 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Again no

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/new-york-yankees_111398168678860040.html

He's currently paid $27 million dollars a year.
Roger Clemens is apparently worth 28 million.

"Rodriguez may void after 2008 or 2009 unless club increases 2009-10 salary by $5M/year or $1M more than highest-paid MLB position player."

I'm saying right now he is worth $32 million dollars or a million more than the next highest player (1 million=slightly more). That's written down and he's not playing for less than that. He salary is only going to escalate from there, epecially as he's having another MVP season.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 1, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Since Roger wasn't even paid near

$28M because of the prorated nature of his contract, I'd say that that is a bit of a stretch to set as a precedent. I am not saying that Boras won't try to use it, but consider that Clemens won't be playing next season (or at least for a prorated $28M considering this years performance) and $32M would be $10M more than the nearest position player.

I am no lawyer but why do I get the feeling that the wording in Clemens contract probably took into consideration the clause in ARod's contract that keeps him as MLB's highest paid player?

Also, his salary will only escalate if the Yankees are in the mix.

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on Sep 1, 2007 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

You are

skewing the numbers. Arod signed a 10 yr 252 deal. That averages 25 a year. You can tell me in 05 he made 1, and in the last year he made 100, its still a contract for 25 a year. A raise from 25 to 32 is huge. And a contract for 40 is ridiculous. If he wants that, let him walk. No player is worth that and no player makes that much of a difference on a team. Look at your job for example, when you get a raise at your yearly performance review, do you have a 40% increase in salary from 25 to 40? Probably not since none of us do. Trying to explain this is market value when no one has that salary makes 0 sense.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 1, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Clemens' contract

was, in my view, an expensive mistake. Much as I would hate to see A-Rod in an Angel uniform--the most likely candidate, I think--if Boras uses Clemens' contract as some rationale for a deal valued over $30M, you gotta let him walk. $30M is my threshold, and even that seems to be way over the line, especially when you look at what those not named A-Rod, Ramirez and Clemens are making.

by chrisNYY on Sep 1, 2007 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree.

If he wants to stay, I think it will be in that area. If he wants anything more, let him walk. I think the view on Arod and this situation will change dramatically either way depending on how he does in the playoffs (if they make it).

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 1, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, if he helps bring a WS,

then $32M.

by chrisNYY on Sep 1, 2007 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Ridiculous

is also what the Yankees make (and can afford). The talent should be compensated for the money he or she makes for their employer.

by costa on Sep 4, 2007 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

A. Rod is Keeper! ! !

Our MVP must return. From a purely baseball perspective the Yanks would look quite foolish letting the future Home Run King slip throught the cracks. After all, that title belongs to The Yankees, and I, for one want it back in The Bronx.

Lets play Billy Ball!

by StrappedYankee on Sep 1, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

How can you call ARod

the greatest player ever. He can't pitch! None the less, we need him, the fans are getting used to him, and the Yanks have more money than god. There is going to be a PR problem with Torre leaving, Torre and ARod, might just shake up the fan base. Do we add Posada and Mo to the mix? I never had any money, I can't comprehend these figures.

New Hampshire Bob

by NH Bob on Sep 3, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Torre's leaving? We'll see.

That's far from sure.

The Opera ain't over til the fat lady sings

by Cbeck3 on Sep 3, 2007 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it is close to a certainty

In order to stay, he will need to come pretty damn close to winning the World Series. That is going to be virtually impossible with two starting pitchers. Then again, if he can pull that off, he deserves to keep his job.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Sep 4, 2007 6:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm gonna quote you on that

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 4, 2007 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

i still say he's gone either way

i think this year has been very trying on joe. no world series- he's forced out. world series win- he rides off into the sunset as one of the greatest yankees' manager ever.

Well, baseball was my whole life. Nothing's ever been as fun as baseball. -Mickey Mantle

by NumberSeven on Sep 4, 2007 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

A-Rod's new contract

Am I the only one who thinks that Rodriguez's desire for a new contract isn't that he wants more money per year, but rather more years? I'm sure he'd rather have both, but it seemed to me that what he wanted was another guaranteed 7 year deal, presumably at about the same amount of money as he's making now (so call it $175M over 7). His performance this year could justify a long contract, but man, $32 million a year in the first year seems like a heckuva lot of money, even for A-Rod, even in an expanding market.

Re: Torre.... Every press conference I see him it looks like he's just consigned to losing his job. I agree with pfisty that he pretty much needs to get the wild card and make the WS or he'll be with a different club next year.

by Jack Roy on Sep 4, 2007 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

another club?

If Torre is done here ,I think he will be done for good.
IMO he won't coach again.

by beantownbosoxh8er on Sep 4, 2007 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed.

He's a NYer and looks very tired these days. Maybe he'd come back after a year off, but I don't see him looking for another gig in 2008 if he gets canned.

The one other thing that could keep him in the job for one more season is the waning of Girardi's star. Been watching him on YES, and I don't think the added exposure is helping him. With the youth movement, he might be a good fit, but if the FO doesn't want to go w/ Girardi, they may give Mattingly one more season as bench coach.

by chrisNYY on Sep 4, 2007 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Depending,

of course, on if the Yankees make the post-season. If they don't, Torre's gone for sure. But I'm not sure a ring is the only thing that will keep him in the Bronx.

by chrisNYY on Sep 4, 2007 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Take a look

at this year's Marlins. Arm injuries and ineffectiveness have plagued all the important pieces of last year's team.

Li'l Joe is just that: a minature Torre who abuses his pitchers with no regard for their future effectiveness.

If we're gonna have that we might as well keep Torre because he's popular with the clubhouse.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 4, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

That's a good point.

I was basing my conclusions on Girardi on his commentary, which I haven't found to be that interesting. He's probably a good motivator of young talent, but most of the 2008 young talent will fall under Gator's domain.

by chrisNYY on Sep 4, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I can't believe what I'm hearing

A-Rod and Torre are some of the best assets the Yankees have. I can't believe anyone would think they should move on. The FO has made some very bad decisions in recent years, A-Rod wasn't one of them. Also to consider, even if you compare a whale-sized $40 million salary for A-Rod with what you could get on the free-agency market in the next year are there really guys THAT good out there to compensate? Maybe in other years I might venture a yes, but I don't see too many trades that would benefit NY. I would think that there are plenty of other big contracts on the roster that could be gotten rid of for good young prospects instead.
As for Torre, seasons where the playoffs seem in doubt are always hard on managers. This is especially true in big markets where there is so much emphasis on winning every year no matter what. But look at what he's had to work with this season! He's done a phenomenal job to bring the Yanks from 14.5 games back into contention especially given the state of the pitching staff at the beginning of the year.

But if you guys want to get rid of them...please be my guest!!

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 4, 2007 6:48 PM EDT reply actions

Wow,

I wish Torre could manage Papelbon and Oki for 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure you would be saying something different then.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 4, 2007 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

You might be right...

I can't say I've followed it that closely, but what are his options if he only has three viable starters? The Yankee bullpen has been rode hard this year, but with Mussina melting down and Clemens a so-so prospect and really, who's forth after Wang and Pettite? What really are the options? I would say it's hard to judge him on this year but it's the mistakes that he HASN'T made that have kept the Yanks in contention...oh, and maybe the bats have something to do with it as well! To be a starting pitcher in free agency this winter! "Cash-man" will be only too accurate a name.

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 5, 2007 5:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Cashman certainly earns his nickname

but Theo is not exactly a penny-pincher in Beantown.

by anaconda on Sep 5, 2007 5:45 AM EDT up reply actions

JD "46 RBI's in September" Drew

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 5, 2007 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions

JD & the AL East '0-8 edition

I'm working on a big stat review for OTM of Jay Dizzle. He had his worst year in majors this year so we're hoping for a correction. If we pick up a good bat (read replace our SS again) this off-season and Manny and Ortiz come back in the HR dept. we will actually have an offense to be reckoned with. THAT means that the most interesting off season pickup will be Yankees pitching. If you guys get your bull pen house in order next year will be an AL East battle for the ages! Both teams will be strong in offense (advantage Yanks) and pitching (advantage Sox) but much more even in both categories than this year. BTW, Yankees fans, never under estimate having a catcher AND a short-stop who can hit.

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 5, 2007 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Have I missed

the AL East battle that wasn't one for the ages? Even with the MFY (I believe that is the OTM term of endearment for our beloved Yankees) playing catch-up for the last few months, one series sweep sends RSN into paroxysms of self-flagellation.

Buchholz's no-no definitely took some of the wind out of the Yankee's youth movement. As if you guys needed more pitching.

by chrisNYY on Sep 5, 2007 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Joba...

Seems to be the real deal though right? As far as the endless rivalry is concerned, it'll always be there, I just see next year being something unusual even for the AL East. When I think about it, it seems like even two slightly above average pitchers, say with 12-10 records at this point, would make the "MFY" the best team in baseball right now. That's a lot less daylight between the Sox and the Yanks in terms of team development then this year implies. The wild card is whether Yankee bats will be this...what's the word I'm looking for?...INSANE next year. I'm certainly going to go look at that possibility as my next homework project.

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 5, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

B Cap,

take some time off before diving into your next homework project. I saw all the effort you put into your defense of J.D. Drew. You've gotta pace yourself.

by chrisNYY on Sep 5, 2007 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I am going to give

B-cap some credit, he didn't come in here just to scream "you suck "
He had something interesting to say stood up and said he was a saux fan.

I like to hear from the other side when it is done in intelligent fashion.

by beantownbosoxh8er on Sep 5, 2007 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah,

I agree. I enjoyed doing that at OTM with some of the people.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 5, 2007 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I lurk

without posting, And I do see you over there.
You should work on your fantasy team instead of posting on OTM. I am running away with the league!

by beantownbosoxh8er on Sep 5, 2007 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Hahah,

Yeah, my team had a serious Mussina Meltdown.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 5, 2007 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions

no kidding

veritek? what gives?
pick up salty from texas.

by beantownbosoxh8er on Sep 5, 2007 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Nice try.

He's been taken for awhile now. Varitek's BA is better than Buck's and thats what was hurting me.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 5, 2007 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the credit...

I lived in New York for 10 years, saw the '97 edition of the "MFY" (a term of endearment) on my birthday...so I'm used to the Yankees being THE TEAM and being around LOTS of Yankee fans. I also like baseball as a sport and really appreciate it played well. Sports rivalry is fun. I mean, who really gets it up on either side of our divide when we play Tampa Bay? We just look at that as an easy way to get a "W" over the other team that matters. Or we worry "shit they're playing Tampa tomorrow - we gotta beat [insert team name] to stay even with the [Yanks/Sox]."

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Yah team is a bunch a loo-zahs!

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 5, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

He was

giving you credit. Now you are just a moron posting on this site.

Pride, Power, Cocktease

by ReLaunch on Sep 5, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

B Cap's just

an exuberant fellow, stuck in London and unable to grow out of his Sox phase. I feel for him.

by chrisNYY on Sep 5, 2007 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I was kidding....

I guess snark is hard to interpret when you read it.

Lurking Red Sox Fan

by B Cap on Sep 6, 2007 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I realize I am

sticking my head into the lion's den here, but isn't it up to Gator to protect his arms? Is Torre that much of a steamroller?

by chrisNYY on Sep 5, 2007 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Gator could do it

but we haven't seen anyone stand up to Torre since Zim left. I had hoped that Mattingly and/or Gator could do it, but so far they've been no shows.
In my mind that's a big knock on considering Mattingly for the manager's job.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Sep 5, 2007 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions