O/T A-Rod $350M Contract...R U Kidding Me? [Archive]

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:14 PM

Posted By: RANDi just read that his agent told the Yankees not to even think about talking to him unless the contract was for $350,000,000 minimum. Does anybody else out there think this guy is rediculous? <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai6IHMVnR3l2AUaMTi3njpo5nYcB?slug=ap-yankees-rodriguez&prov=ap&type=lgns" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai6IHMVnR3l2AUaMTi3njpo5nYcB?slug=ap-yankees-rodriguez&prov=ap&type=lgns</a>

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:23 PM

Posted By: Ed IveyI am a Yanks fan who has always thought that this guy is ridiculous. Team player - NOT. Put him with the 1927 Yanks so he can learn. They had a bunch of egos who still bore the cement of team pride and legacy. Ooops. I guess that's not possible.

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:29 PM

Posted By: davidcyclebackWhile he is widely disliked, one can't say Boras doesn't know what he is doing. People, including owners, complaining about how much his clients make proves that. The problem for ARod is that most people expect an agent to act this way, as they understand an agent is a hired advocate. I'm sure Boras doesn't care whether fans or owners like him, as it's not in his job description. However, the fans also see the actions of the agent as reflecting upon his client, the player. While Boras may be fine with being painted as a villain-- in fact he might revel in it, as being a tough guy is good for negotiations--, I'm sure ARod doesn't want to be painted as selfish and money grubbing-- which he will be. Signing with Texas has already illustrated to many that for ARod it's about the money (And ARod's accompanying scripted 'sincere' proclamation that the Rangers were always the team he most wanted to play for demonstrate why the same people call him a phony). Despite the Yankees' lack of recent playoff success, their payroll, owner interest in winning and regular season records show that they are probably the best bet to be a World Series champ in the near future. And duly note that I am not a Yankees fan.

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:31 PM

Posted By: RANDwith guaranteed contract, who would put themselves out there for this kind of money when the guy could get injured?

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:34 PM

Posted By: dennisthought i'd post the story from AOL,in case you missed it/or wanted to miss it.it's worth looking at just for the reader poll, i have never seen such a lopsided poll no matter what the question has been! <a href="http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/a-rods-agent-asked-for-350-million/20071102201509990001" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/a-rods-agent-asked-for-350-million/20071102201509990001</a>

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:44 PM

Posted By: Jeff Prillaman (CavalierCards)From the NYT: “Since Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS — the night Boston began its epic comeback from three games down against the Yankees — (Alex) Rodriguez has come to the plate with 38 runners on base, over the span of 59 at-bats. He left every single one on base, going 0-for-27, right through the Yanks’ Division Series loss to Cleveland this month.”

Archive

11-04-2007, 12:59 PM

Posted By: Al C.risafulliI want Boras to be my agent. -Al

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:07 PM

Posted By: Marc S.I would bet that 95% of baseball fans I know believe that every single baseball player is overpaid....it's just that A-Rod is at the top of the heap. At least he's playing, he has MVP's under his belt. There are numerous contracts out there in the tens of millions that are being paid out on the back-end by insurance companies because of player injury.

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:09 PM

Posted By: davidcyclebackI read an article about Boras and he has an interesting background. He has a law degree, doctorate in pharmacology and was a medical lawyer. He first represented minor league players while he himself was a minor league player.

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:41 PM

Posted By: fkwOwners (like Steinbrenner) pay the foolish $$ Dont blame the player one bit.

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:45 PM

Posted By: Fred CI'm sure the AGENT has nothing to do with this mess. AGENTS never fill their clients head full of crap. They never seem to stuff $100M of ego into the brain the size of a peanut (like A-rods). It must only be the player and owners...

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:49 PM

Posted By: Marc S.how do we get to the conclusion that Alex Rodriguez is an uneducated dolt with a brain the size of a peanut...?! Amazing how unsubstantiated personal attacks abound...

Archive

11-04-2007, 01:52 PM

Posted By: David DavisI wonder if Boras already has a plan to sue for collusion if no one gives in to his outrageous demands for A-Rod.

Archive

11-04-2007, 02:25 PM

Posted By: Fred CMarc, Are you serious? The bottom line is that baseball is a great game. I'm fortunate enough to be able to go to games. There are a lot of people that don't have that opportunity. A-rods just trying to get what he thinks is due to him (as all other players do) but A-rod does it on a much more "grand" scale. Lets face it, the more they have to pay the players, the less available the game is to those that can't afford it. No, I guess A-rod isn't a total nitwit because he's going after as much dough as he can. How much is enough? Lets drive the price of baseball games out of the reach of the fans and isolate the inner city youth that don't have ball fields to play on or the opportunity to enjoy this game. You know Marc, why don't you just chill out a bit. I guess it's hard to read between the lines sometimes. "Unsubstantiated personal attacks"? As if he really only has a brain the size of a peanut. Seriously... that is just too funny... please tell me how I "substantiate" that fact? Lets just say he may not be the brightest bulb in the box... A-rods very famous... why would someone as famous as him be seen with someone that isn't his wife? Yup, he's just a brainiac... have a nice day Marc... Edited to add - David, that's too funny...

Archive

11-04-2007, 02:28 PM

Posted By: barrysloateWhat if nobody is interested? What if Arod and Boras have reached the price point where nobody is willing to sign him for that amount? There's no denying his career numbers are huge, and the season he had in 2007 was off the charts. But what if all 32 owners say enough is enough?

Archive

11-04-2007, 02:47 PM

Posted By: PaulI know I'm naive, but I just don't understand A-Rod's values. Once you have already made $200M, shouldn't you pick your team based on factors other than the highest financial offer? Factors like, which team has players or a manager that you get along with, which team is likely to win, which city you like the best, etc. I'm not suggesting that he should pick his favorite city and then play for the major league minimum. But once you already have $200M, and you're going to sign another contract for at least $200M, what's the point in holding out for even more money and playing with a bunch of losers or backstabbers? And I agree with Barry's suggestion that A Rod and his agent have made a financial mistake. I suppose there is a chance he can make more money elsewhere, but not a hell of a lot more. And he is taking a huge risk, I think, that no one other than the Yankees will be willing to guarantee his contract for a great number of years. When you add in the fact that some people will now root against him in his quest to overtake Barry Bonds because they actually like Bonds better, I just don't get it.

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:14 PM

Posted By: quanThe Yankees organization is just so full of it...it's a privilege to wear Yankees pinstripe....26 WS banners, Ruth>Gehrig>Joe D etc etc blah blah blah. Maybe A-rod doesn't really want to play there??? The man (will) win 2 MVPs in his 4 years there and still gets boo, his captain and SS never backs him up (while offering support for a roidhead), his manager shows him no respect. Why would he want to stick around while being underpaid and taking all the bs? Some of the Yankees fan here are drinking some of that kool-aid also...with all the Yankees talk here maybe Brian can make another tab.

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:14 PM

Posted By: Bretti'm betting theres a good chance that he used steroids like the rest of the league cough barry bonds cough

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:22 PM

Posted By: PaulQuan, I didn't mean to suggest that it's great to be a Yankee. Maybe you're right and he doesn't really want to play there. But it sure sounds like he would have -- for the right price.

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:34 PM

Posted By: quanpaul maybe the tone of my last post was overly harsh. outside of new york (and maybe boston) the majority of people out there would love arod on their teams. the buzz in la this week was the dodgers getting torre, thus creating the illusion we might go after arod...and yes we've all heard about his reputation. each mlb team this week just got a check for $30 million from sales at mlb.com so there are more teams that can afford arod than you think. now whether or not they want to spend the money that's another story...but if boras can get jd drew 55 mil with a bum shoulder he probably has a couple destination spots for arod in mind.

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:47 PM

Posted By: Dan KotelesBoras is Hungarian, this explains why he is the best !

Archive

11-04-2007, 03:56 PM

Posted By: AnthonyDan- Egan! If not of the owners agree to pay this price I'm sure they'll be fined for collusion. If someone does pay this price those $11 beers will be $25. No wonder I've seen more minor league games than major league the last few years.

Archive

11-04-2007, 04:04 PM

Posted By: RANDthe only other player that I know of that made over 30M a year was Jordan. He deserved it. How can anybody pay 1 guy on a team of 9 players on the field and that's not a pitcher this kind of money for a long time? i really wonder who is going to sign on the dotted line for 35M X 10 years.....

Archive

11-04-2007, 04:25 PM

Posted By: anthonyi want to see every team pass on him and see if his price drops...maybe he can play in the independent league with the rest of the guys who cant drive in a run when it counts... i will not attend any angel games if they pick him up, and i've been a huge fan for 30 years...i heard they were a front runner prior to the $350 mil figure came out

Archive

11-04-2007, 04:36 PM

Posted By: David SmithThe Cincinnati Reds are a PRIME example of what is WRONG with baseball today. Ken Griffey Junior MADE the Mariners trade him to the Reds after the 1999 season. Then, the Reds signed him to a 9 year, $116.5 million dollar contract with MOST of the money defered to the years 2009 - 2024 at 4% interest. KGJ had a KGJ-type year in 2000 and THEN proceeded to get hurt most of the following years. So, the Reds are on the hook for a big money guy who does NOT produce (but pouts and shows what a fragile ego he has). During this time, the Owners are making money hand over fist and DO NOT put that money back into the team, either by signing GOOD Free Agents, trading for players who could help (but are high priced) or by putting money into the farm system. Thus, the Reds ahve had seven straight losing season.s This year, they sign Dusty Baker as Manager (at $3.5 million a year) and pick up the option of Adam Dunn for $13.5 million for 2008. The Reds REAL need is PITCHING but they use their money on a Manager who hurts Pitchers and prefers veterans over youth AND they bring back a guy who is a ONE TOOL player (power). If Dunn could not hit Home Runs, he would NOT be a Major Leaguer. Also, some of the Home Runs he hits are because he plays in a park that is easy to hit them in. Then there is the fact that he RARELY swings at outside Pitches and thus DOES NOT hit the ball to the opposite field. So, my prediction (based on what the Reds have done so far) is that they are going to have yet another losing season in 2008. That hiring a Manager who's winning record is MOSTLY because of a CHEATER (Barry Bonds) is not going to help and that the expensive one tool player is NOT going to help much. All the while, the Owner is going to pocket over $20 million in profit like he did in 2006 and 2007. David

Archive

11-04-2007, 04:55 PM

Posted By: Fred CPaul, Now that makes sense... he's got a gazillion dollars but there's two things he doesn't have which Jeter does... Class and a WS RING! Looking for that ring would be a priority to most, finding that "situation" which brings him closer to that goal would/should be any players goal. I bet you could ask a lot of great ex-players that don't have a WS ring what they felt was missing in their careers and that's what they would respond with. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind A-rod being on the home team because he does provide you with that means of getting to the post season. But, at the same time as was mentioned, I don't want to see the $11 beers turning into $25 beers and I'd hate to see the price of admission get jacked up to the point where going to games are the exception and not the rule. Undeniably, he's one of the greatest hitters of his era and probably all time but in the court of public opinion he lacks vision and he's just "greedy"... oh yeah, that goes for his IDIOT agent also... ok, so now someone can challenge me for calling the most successful sports agent an idiot... sheesh...

Archive

11-04-2007, 04:57 PM

Posted By: Kevin CummingsAs a life-long Yankee fan, it was like a dream come true when the Yankees signed A Rod. Yes, they gave up Soriano, but I'd make that trade again in a heartbeat. What New Yorker didn't believe that Steinbrenner didn't just buy himself a few more championships. Flash forward 4 years (and no championships) - I was still willing to cut A Rod some slack. He certainly had a magical year and while this post season wasn't stellar, at least it wasn't as abysmal as the last three. Maybe next year would be the year - he said he wanted to stay in New York. Maybe the regular season would finally carry over into the post season and the Yanks would bring home another World Series trophy. Then - the announcement. Opt out my ass. It doesn't matter whether A Rod decided or Boras did. Neither one cares about Yankee tradition. Apparently, all A Rod cares about is the personal stats and the money. He could have hit .275 next year, but if he played big in the World Series and the Yanks won, he could have retired a hero. He doesn't deserve to wear the uniform. People in New York will remember Scott Brosius, Brian Doyle, Cecil Fielder, Chuck Knoblauch, Ricky Ledee, Jim Leyritz, Luis Sojo and Jose Vizcaino as guys who stepped up and played over their heads, even if just for a little while, to help the Yanks win a title. They will remember A Rod as a grand failure. Good riddance. He can eat my shorts. [Edited to change my Vizcaino faux pas.]

Archive

11-04-2007, 05:08 PM

Posted By: Randy TrierweilerHere he is in his playing days. <img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/cardinalcollector/IMG-5.jpg">

Archive

11-04-2007, 05:29 PM

Posted By: Fred YWord out of Boston tonite is that Dice-K wants to renegotiate his contract for ARod-type money x 2 because he's proven he is a much more prolific RBI man when it counts!

Archive

11-04-2007, 06:52 PM

Posted By: SCI think the explanation is very simple - ARod simply did not want to play in pinstripes. Let's face it - there is no way ARod was going to look good if he exercised his option, or squeezed anything out of the Yankees. Would he look better: 1) Opting out by saying he didn't want to play in NYC...which begs the reason why? Pressure? Teammates? Ownership? There isn't a good answer that doesn't involve giving the team and fans in general the bird. 2) Opting out by saying the money wasn't there to tie him up without exploring his options. I'm sure Boras knew there was no chance the Yankees were going to cough up $350M. But it gave the Yankees the chance to say no, instead of ARod walking without a talk. By the way - while $350M is "rediculous"...it's not a number you couldn't talk yourself into. Consider: 2007 Highest MLB Salary - ARod $23M 1997 Highest MLB Salary - Belle $10M 1987 Highest MLB Salary - Schmidt $2.1M What will a top 5 player cost in 2012? 2017? Going against ARod is he will no longer be playing his contract from 25-35 yo, instead from 32-42. Going for him is the record chases, especially the HR chase. With the way revenue is growing in baseball, I would be shocked if ARod did NOT get a $300M+ contract over 10 years. Wouldn't shock me if he got the $350M either, with some creative accounting. Why not pay ARod $30M/year for the next 10 years, and then a 25 year personal services contract at $2M/year? There's lots of creative things you can do if you want to make a deal work.

Archive

11-04-2007, 07:45 PM

Posted By: MikeThe price increase of MLB salaries and vintage baseball cards are the result of the same theory: A player is worth what one stupid owner is willing to overpay. A baseball card is worth exactly what one stupid collector is willing to overpay. Two great examples are during the MLB Owners meeting, and during 10 cent listing week on Ebay.

Archive

11-04-2007, 08:04 PM

Posted By: davidcyclebackOwners who don't spend dumb money will tell you the problem is arbitration is based on the salaries of comparable players. If one dumb owner pays dumb money for one player, the other owners will be forced to pay more at arbitration.

Archive

11-04-2007, 09:42 PM

Posted By: David SmithOK, so what if some dumb team signs A Rod for $350 million then the US bombs Iran, oil goes to $150 or $200 dollars a barrel and the economy tanks and either goes into a deep recession or even a depression?? Will a team be able to survive a contract like that or would they have to go bankrupt? If they went bankrupt, how would THAT affect them?? Could they continue on or would they have to relocate or be contracted?? Just wondering, David

Archive

11-04-2007, 10:48 PM

Posted By: BrettBoston should sing A-Rod and get rid of Lugo somehow. The Yankees hated Damon when he knocked them out of the 2004 playoffs, but they like him when he helps the team win. I think the Red Sox fans would like A-Rod if he helped them win games. Plus, it would piss off the Yankee fans.

Archive

11-04-2007, 11:14 PM

Posted By: arodrulesStop hating the man because he's making twice more money than all of you combined.Why is it so terrible for a talented athlete to make 35 million a year and it's ok for some multinational corporate CEO to make 100 Million a year OR MORE? Some of your posts reek of ignorance .He is obviously smarter than most of you,and definately MUCH better off than ALL of you.If you want the best you gotta pay for it.That's why some Wall Street investment bankers make christmass bonuses of 100 million or better.Nobody seems to be villifying them like they do to Arod.Arod arrogant?I don't think so, but if he was atleast he has some vaild reason why he could be.Arod greedy?I am sure if anyone was in his position they would want the maximun amount they could get.We live in a capitalist world and that is how things function.DUH

Archive

11-04-2007, 11:23 PM

Posted By: Jerry Hrechka They had tomake their announcement in the middle of a World Series Game. Couldn't wait even a few hours -ABSOLOUTELY NO CLASS. I hope A-Rod gets every penny he wants but never plays on a winning team again.

Archive

11-04-2007, 11:58 PM

Posted By: Kenny ColeI think the title of the post sums it up, but if you are unclear, let me try to help you. CEO's make huge salaries and bonuses (deserved or not), because they run the company. Presumably, they are making decisions that make the company money. If they don't do that, the stockholders get unhappy and they eventually get fired, albeit with a nice severance package. Arod is an EMPLOYEE. He is not a CEO. He is not the manager. He is not a team player. All he cares about is Arod. He is a clubhouse cancer. He is a really talented, self-absorbed *******. He doesen't deserve $350 million in any universe that I live in. He may get it, and if he does, the dumbasses who paid it will be wondering why they paid it when it is all said and done. Hope I helped make that clear for you. Should you have any questions, feel free to ask. Kenny Cole

Archive

11-05-2007, 12:44 AM

Posted By: davidcycleback<> ARod's former teammate Ken Griffey Jr took a lower than market salary to sign with his hometown Cincinnati Reds. Unlike with ARod and the Rangers, fans believed Griffey when he said Cincinnati was his #1 choice. Beyond that it was his hometown, fans believed Griffey's words to be sincere specifically because he chose less money than he could have gotten with other teams. Comparing players salaries to CEO salaries can backfire as an argument as the majority of baseball fans, and Americans, believe the highest paid CEOs are grossly overpaid. You aren't going to warm hearts showing how ARod's salary compares favorably to Wall Street banker.

Archive

11-05-2007, 03:40 AM

Posted By: barrysloateArodrules: It's not alright that corporate CEO's make $100 million a year. Just because they take it, doesn't mean it's alright. Actually, I think it's a disgrace.

Archive

11-05-2007, 04:12 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellA disgrace? Hey, this is America. If they create billions and billions of dollars in value for the owners of the company because of their actions and the stock goes up dramatically as a result of these decisions why shouldn't they make a lot of money. Thank God we live in a country where it is possible to make a lot of money through a system which benefits the owners of a corporation and a Board of Directors exercizes control.

Archive

11-05-2007, 04:58 AM

Posted By: barrysloateJim- how did I know that you would be the first to comment on what I said? <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> I agree it's really fantastic that the top 1% of America controls everything. That's what makes this country so great!

Archive

11-05-2007, 05:01 AM

Posted By: AnonymousBarry, The top 1% controls everything?--did not say that nor is it true. Be careful--Leon will wipe this out--I just feel compelled to respond when you throw in your left-wing views into the threads--besides that I love ya! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

11-05-2007, 05:18 AM

Posted By: barrysloateI was thinking the same thing. Leon is probably sleeping late and hasn't seen this yet. And my left wing has been hurting lately. I think I need to see a doctor. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> And still friends, of course. Now let's get back to bashing A-rod!

Archive

11-05-2007, 05:54 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellYeah--that greedy son of a gun--how dare he!

Archive

11-05-2007, 05:59 AM

Posted By: barrysloateJim- you know I have no idea what I am talking about. I just need to vent.

Archive

11-05-2007, 06:21 AM

Posted By: David Atkatz"A disgrace? Hey, this is America. If they create billions and billions of dollars in value for the owners of the company because of their actions and the stock goes up dramatically as a result of these decisions why shouldn't they make a lot of money. Thank God we live in a country where it is possible to make a lot of money through a system which benefits the owners of a corporation and a Board of Directors exercizes control." Yeah, right. These guys make obscene amonts of money, regardless of how well the company's stock does. And if the stock really, really tanks, and they are forced out, they have golden parachutes worth hundreds of millions more. "Create billions and billions of dollars in value for the owners of the company" WTF? Remember Enron? Those guys created billions and billions of dollars in value for the owners of the company for quite some time, but they produced nothing of value for the consumer. All they did was raise consumer energy costs, and pocket the money. When the company disappeared, virtually overnight, was there an energy shortage? Any problems turning on the lights? Did anyone but the stockholders and ex-employees even notice it was gone?

Archive

11-05-2007, 06:29 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellBarry, The above is why you have got to stop these politically provacative posts <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> People get too worked up--I could respond to the above but this is a vintage sportscard board. Barry and I apologize Leon <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

11-05-2007, 06:39 AM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethIf someone has a workable alternative to capitalism, let's hear it. Until then, ARod will be able to command what a willing owner pays him, and CEO's will be able to command the salaries that boards of directors with fiduciary duties to shareholders approve.

Archive

11-05-2007, 06:43 AM

Posted By: barrysloateBut David does make a good point. And while I agree with him, I think I'll stay on the sidelines for now.

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:09 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellBarry--no he doesn't-- You just can't resist can you <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:12 AM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethLet's legislate salary caps, or better yet turn over all private enterprise (including Barry's auction house <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>) to the government.

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:27 AM

Posted By: David Atkatz"Barry--no he doesn't--" No? Then prove me wrong. Provide a strong argument to the contrary. In fact, provide any argument.

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:33 AM

Posted By: JimCrandellRelax buddy--start a sportscard thread. Not a politics boards--Barry and I are just kidding around.

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:47 AM

Posted By: John Kalafarski Is A-Rod the best player in the game? I can think of three players on the Red Sox alone who I'd rather have: Ortiz (who took a reasonable contract), Beckett (who took a reasonable contract), and Papelbon (who's playing for the MLB minimum). Red Sox Nation doesn't want A-Rod; he's the Yankee's burden. He's greedy and his salary demands are excessive. I hate to break it to some of you people, greed is bad. I hope his contract is picked up by nobody and he retires to sit and gloat over his bank accounts.

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:14 AM

Posted By: arodrulesKenny said..... "Arodrules is an idiot" "Arod is an EMPLOYEE. He is not a CEO. He is not the manager. He is not a team player" Well if i am in IDIOT(pretty personal there guy, and you don't even know me,LOL), i gotta say ...... You did not do a SMART job with that argument.Let me enlighten you Kenny.... A CEO is AN EMPLOYEE, a manager is AN EMPLOYEE.Arod is a TEAM PLAYER.He gets paid to perform GOOD NUMBERS, which he does.No 1 player can carry a team.Everyone knows this.He does put the numbers up which is what he gets paid to do. As far as 350 million being excessive pay, i also agree.My point is that if corporate masters of the universe can make the money so can Arod, or any other athlete,entertainer,etc.Kenny you need to work on making better arguments, especially if you are going to get so personal.

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:33 AM

Posted By: RANDarodrules, you are allowed to voice your opinion, but on this board you should put your real name and email in your post and not hide behind "arodrules". I started this thread, and my disgust comes from his unprofessionalism to "opt out" during the World Series, not giving the Yankees the opportunity for a face to face meeting (even if he already made up his mind), and his agent blasting out there a 350M contract or dont bother to call. It just rubs me the wrong way. I hope nobody jumps in with an offer and he sweats and eventually has to take 10M less a year.

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:34 AM

Posted By: JasonFirst of all........1 player CANNOT carry a team. 2 players CANNOT even carry a team. If you had any part of just a little bit of playing experience you would know that. If I were Steinbrenner, I would be very happy. I would save alot of money by dumping dead weight. While AROD does perform very well, he tends to choke in the clutch. I would much rather have a player like Varitek or Pappelbon for alot less $$$ than Arod, and I am not even a Red Sox fan. He is just concerned for himself. I cannot say I would blame him if I were in his shoes and I am not. I would imagine most people would go with the most $$$. However, I think he will have a hard time finding a place to pay him that much $$. If they do, then they certainly have more $$$ than brains. He lacks class and integrity due to the fact he would announce this garbage during the last WS game. It is clear he is NOT a team player. He cannot impact a team to win so he is DEAD weight.I wish him well. I really think he deserves what he gets. Know the game before you make stupid statements. By the way.....anyone with an email address that idiotic is not a rational person anyways. Learn some baseball then come back and maybe I will read some more of your garbage. Jason

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:42 AM

Posted By: Peter_SpaethCmon give the guy credit for having a sense of humor!!

Archive

11-05-2007, 09:36 AM

Posted By: leonA little bickering amongst board members is expected. A little bit of politics in an off topic thread isn't the end of the world but we would prefer not to see too much of it, if any. We even put "bickering" in the rules so it's allowed. What we have almost 0 tolerance for is arguing and staying anonymous....So whoever "arodrules" is, is going to have to make himself/herself known or not participate anymore in this thread.....Nothing personal...regards

Archive

11-05-2007, 10:50 AM

Posted By: davidcycleHere's an example why many many fans don't like ARod. He took the largest ever contract to play for Texas. Taking that amount was no crime, but he claimed he went to Texas because it was his number one choice for a team, which no one believed. His contract took up so much of the Rangers budget that it prevented the team from signing the needed other players needed to field a winning team-- meaning ARod's salary demands came at the expense of the team. Before long ARod complained that the Rangers were losing, when it was his very contract that prevented the team from being competitive. This also illustrates why maximizing your salary is not always a good thing, as it can come at the expense of other desirables. While it is granted he other avenues of income, Michael Jordan chose a major pay cut so his team, the Chicago Bulls, could sign other players. Considering his concern was winning and his team went on to win numerous championships, I'm sure Jordan has never regretted having accepted a lower than market value salary. The comparison between the two players should speak for itself.

Archive

11-05-2007, 11:17 AM

Posted By: Marc S.Is it A-Rod for taking up too much of the Rangers' budget, or was it the Rangers' management, for offering A-Rod so much, knowing that they would have to spread the remaining money over a very thinly-qualified field? In 2001, the Rangers spent $7.5MM on Kenny Rogers, who was 5-7, with a 6++ ERA for the Rangers. But people look at the Rangers at the beginning of this decade, and point the finger of blame at A-Rod? I just don't believe it. You can't fault A-Rod that the Rangers offered him so much money. And you can't look at A-Rod and claim that he "stole" the Rangers budget. The Rangers upper management made some strategic mistakes in building their team in 2001 and 2002. Quite frankly, the Rangers had the best offense in the American League at the time, led not only by A-Rod, but by I-Rod, Ruben Sierra, Rafael Palmeiro, Andres Galarrage and some other key players. Their offense was phenomenal (3rd in runs, 2nd in hits, 1st in homers, 3rd in batting average, 1st in slugging, and had an OPS+ of 110). The Rangers spent $88MM in salary that year -- yes 25% was to A-Rod, but the Rangers bet on offense, and the few marginal investments they made in pitching were abysmal failures. Last in the league in ERA, last in hits allowed, last in runs allowed, last in home runs allowed, and last in walks given up. Not for a lack of trying. Two of their five highest paid players were Rogers and Darren Oliver. But it did not work. I can't fault A-Rod for the Rangers' management's poor decisions.

Archive

11-05-2007, 11:38 AM

Posted By: davidcycleA contract is an agreement between two parties. Responsibility and blame is given to both parties of a bum contract, in particular considering that neither side was required to sign it. If giving $250 million cripples the team, accepting the $250 million cripples the team.

Archive

11-05-2007, 12:01 PM

Posted By: anthonybrett- "Boston should sing A-Rod and get rid of Lugo somehow. The Yankees hated Damon when he knocked them out of the 2004 playoffs, but they like him when he helps the team win. I think the Red Sox fans would like A-Rod if he helped them win games. Plus, it would piss off the Yankee fans." sorry but i dont get your thinking here, i think you hate the redsox and wish them bad... AROD cant help his own team win games, why should boston sign him to help them win games? they won more games without him than the yankees did with him. and i doubt there are many yankee fans that would be pissed off if boston did sign him, he did nothing for them that his ego promised.

Archive

11-05-2007, 12:18 PM

Posted By: jay wolt"i doubt there are many yankee fans that would be pissed off if boston did sign him" Are you sure? I would be pretty pissed as a Yankee fan. Arod was hardly a bust he hit 54 HR's & 156 RBI and will walk away w/ an MVP, his 2nd in his 4 years as a Yankee. In the rich history of the Yankees, no 3rd baseman ever had his #'s, even his worse year of the 4 was damn impressive. Granted he doesn't do much in the postseason but w/o him - NY isn't even close to making the postseason in '07. With that said how can Boston be worse w/ him replacing Lugo then w/o him? He was a gold glove SS and played 3rd for NY to coincide w/ Jeter. He will make any team in baseball better.

Archive

11-05-2007, 01:44 PM

Posted By: Jason7Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. 9(M) Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.[b] 16(W) One who is wise is cautious[d] and(X) turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. 23In all toil there is profit, but mere talk(AG) tends only to poverty. 24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly. (Proverbs 14) Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. Proverbs 14:3 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. Proverbs 17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. Proverbs 19:1 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. Proverbs 19:10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! Proverbs 26:9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Many more truths I have no time to type. ENjoy!

Archive

11-05-2007, 03:43 PM

Posted By: BrettSorry i made some typos in there Anthony. I do like the Red Sox and i wanted them to win the World Series. The Red Sox fans said that they don't want A-Rod on the Red Sox. I'm saying that if ARod helped Boston win another world Series, the fans wouldn't hate him. I was comparing him to Johnny Damon because remember in the 2004 ALCS when Damon hit that grand slam and sunk the Yankees ? That must have pissed off every yankee fan out there... then he goes and signs with the Yankees and the fans like him because he helped the team win. As long as you wear the Yankee pin stripes, pin play well and make the team win then I don't see how the home town fans can hate the player. The fans respect his playing ability. I don't have a problem with A-Rod playing on my team. If he never used steroids, then i'd say that hes the best player in baseball right now period. I think the fans were too hard on him this year. He basically saved the Yankees early in the season when they had no hitting and pitching. He got them to the post season and the rest of the team didn't help much. The Yankees didnt go anywhere because they had no pitching, not because A-Rod cant hit worth a damn in the post season. You know when you're going to lose the series when you only have one good starter in a 5 man rotation and he pitches the worst out of them...

Archive

11-05-2007, 05:32 PM

Posted By: Rhett YeakleyNot necessarily sticking up for the guy or anything like that, but without Arod this past season the Yankees don't make the playoffs. -Rhett

Archive

11-05-2007, 07:56 PM

Posted By: peter chaoGuys, If ARod went to Boston Red Sox it would ratchet the New York and Boston rivalry up another notch. This would be great for baseball and the average fan. This would give Boston a chance to truly reverse the Curse of the Babe Ruth trade. Peter C.

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:07 PM

Posted By: davidcyclebackBeyond Yankees and Red Sox fans, many consider the national media's focus on the rivalry a detriment to baseball. It's not that the rivalry is not worthy of attention, but the sports networks focus on them at the expense of other teams ... then lament at playoff time that there is lack of interest in the teams they ignored all season.

Archive

11-05-2007, 08:33 PM

Posted By: jay wolt"This would give Boston a chance to truly reverse the Curse of the Babe Ruth trade" The Sox have won 2 World Series in 4 years pretty sure the curse is now dead & buried.

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:15 AM

Posted By: peter chaoTorre says there's a chance the Dodger's will enter the A-Rod sweepstakes. The Giants are saying the same. A bidding war between the 2 clubs for A-Rod's services would be even more ridiculous and heighten the rivalry. Peter C.

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:18 AM

Posted By: Steve MurrayBumping these O/T posts is really obnoxious. <img src="/images/sad.gif" height=14 width=14>

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:22 AM

Posted By: peter chaoSteve, Thanks for letting me know. Sorry. Peter C.

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:34 AM

Posted By: barrysloateIt's probably time to lock it so it slips down the page.

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:45 AM

Posted By: Chris CountsHas A-Rod signed with anybody yet? Why is this thread less relevant than it was a couple days ago? I'm curious why it is "obnoxious" to post on OT threads after a certain point. The A-Rod free agent story clearly has the attention of many board contributers (72 posts). It seems to me that the board either allows OT posts or it doesn't. It seems absurd to cut off comments at a certain point. Especially if they're coming from Peter, who in my estimation has done a nice job of toning down his enthusiasm. And he didn't start the post, either. Personally, I think it's great we have a couple ongoing threads that deal with compelling contemporary baseball issues. We are, after all, some of the most devoted baseball fans you'll ever meet. I can't remember when there haven't been a couple such threads going on. It's not like we're talking about our favorite punk bands (I liked that thread as well!) ...

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:49 AM

Posted By: barrysloateChris- the A-Rod story could go on for weeks, and every couple of days there may be a new wrinkle or twist on the news. Do we really need to keep discussing it on a regular basis? Agreed, it's not the worst thing in the world if we do, but it is off-topic.

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:51 AM

Posted By: Jeff LichtmanWell, I for one am interested in what factors could rachet up the Giants/Dodgers rivalry as well as what can finally reverse that old Red Sox curse. Oh wait....

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:53 AM

Posted By: Ted ZanidakisI say DITTO to what you just said....and, another DITTO for the 4th thread this week regarding GAI's alleged "demise".

Archive

11-11-2007, 11:57 AM

Posted By: barrysloateThe Red Sox curse has officially become the Red Sox dynasty.

Archive

11-11-2007, 01:35 PM

Posted By: Ted ZanidakisHow many times do I have to repeat this....in 1904 John McGraw put the "1st Curse" on the Boston Americans by refusing to play them in the World Series. Then he proclaimed his NY Giants as the World Champs. During Ruth's tenure with Boston (1914-19), the McGraw "curse" was "suspended"....Ruth was that powerful. Finally, 100 years later in 2004 the Red Sox were Champs....after a full century, the ghost of McGraw no longer haunts them. And, that guys and gals....as Paul Harvey is fond of saying...."Now you know the rest of the story". T-Rex TED

Archive

11-11-2007, 01:53 PM

Posted By: David AtkatzActually, McGraw didn't refuse to play Boston. He refused to play the winner of the A.L. pennant, whoever that may have been. At the time Little Napolean refused, it was just as likely that the people he hated most--the Greater New York Base Ball Club of the American League--would win, and there was no way McGraw was going to risk losing to them. As it happened, The New York Americans gave up the pennant to the Boston Americans on the last day of the season--Jack Chesbro's infamous wild pitch--and so it was Boston that was shut out of the second World Series. How do you turn any of that into a "curse"?

Archive

11-11-2007, 02:54 PM

Posted By: Ted ZanidakisEverything you said is accurate and I have posted all this before....1904 was a fantastic season in BB. What you didn't mention is McGraw's vendetta against Ban Johnson....who rejected McGraw's request to be Manager of the NY Highlanders in 1903. The "behind the scenes" story that I am familiar with, is that McGraw was willing to play the Highland- ers because he felt his team could beat them and further "rub" it into Johnson And, Pulliam (NL Prez) and Brush (NY Giants owner) were well aware of the economic significance an all-NYC World Series. But, when Chesbro committed the "ultimatel sin" and failed to simply waste the pitch on an 0-2 count to Fred Parent (who Chesbro had struck out twice that day);and, allowed the winning Run to be scored by Criger....there was no way that McGraw....Brush....and Pulliam were going to play the Boston team. TED Z

Archive

11-11-2007, 03:33 PM

Posted By: David AtkatzMcGraw announced on October 7--when the Highlanders were still leading the A.L.--that they would not play a series with the A.L. winner. Said McGraw: “I want to go clearly and emphatically on record in the matter of the refusal of the New York Club to play a post-season series. The people of New York have been kind enough to give me some credit for bringing the pennant to New York, and if there is any just blame or criticism for the club’s action in protecting that highly-prized honor the blame should rest on my shoulders, not Mr. Brush’s, for I alone am responsible. “When I came to New York three years ago the team was in last place. Since that time, on and off the field, I have worked to bring the pennant to New York. The result is known. Now that the New York team has won this honor, I for one will not stand to see it tossed away like a rag. The pennant means something to me. It is the first I have ever won. It means something to my players, and they are with me in my stand. We never stopped until we clinched the pennant, even if it did rob the game of the interest of a pennant race. The club never complained. When the fight was hot we played to thousands. After the race was won we played to hundreds. But that was square sport and the stockholders never complained. If we didn’t sacrifice our race in our own league to the box office we certainly are not going to put in jeopardy the highest honor in baseball simply for the box office inducements. “If the National League should see fit to place post-season games on the same plane as championship games, and surround them with the same protection and safeguards for square sport as championship games, then, and not till then, will I ever take part in them. “Now about the team. A better team never was gotten together. We are afraid of no team. They are with me to a man in my stand. I put it up to them one by one and they showed their colors. We are here and here to stay. We will defend the pennant in 1905 and hope to for many years. We are willing to be judged by our patrons and the supporters of honest sport.”

Archive

11-11-2007, 03:38 PM

Posted By: leonLocking threads is saved for extraordinary situations. Deleting them is almost never done. I would greatly prefer everyone just use good judgement. I don't see the harm if this gets bumped back to the top every now and then...especially if it stays on topic. Even though I could give a rats patoot about major league baseball today I think it's a fair Off Topic to talk about on this board...per the rules....regards