Alex Rodriguez to opt out of contract

Last night during game 4 of the World Series, Ken Rosenthal announced that he had spoken to Alex Rodriguez's agent Scott Boras and that his client has decided to opt out of the final 3 years of his $252 Million contract. This coming just a week after manager Joe Torre rejected a 1-year offer to manage the team.

This is a big blow to the New York Yankees who have been consistent with their decisions that if he did opt out of his contract, they will not get into a bidding war with another club. This leaves the Yankees with a big hole at 3rd base in '08 where right now it looks like Wilson Betemit is the starter, although that is very unlikely going to be the real starter come opening day.

Rodriguez was set to make $27 million per season for the next 3 years, or $81 Million. Now it looks like he'll likely get at least $30-35 million per season on the market. A few teams that could be looking to add him (and that could realistically pay him) are the Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Red Sox, Angels, White Sox, Tigers and even the Florida Marlins have been mentioned as a possible destination.

The move will also clear the Texas Rangers about $20 million off of Alex Rodriguez's deal. It could even clear enough room to the point that they decide to make a big push for Twins center fielder Torii Hunter.

Rodriguez is coming off of one of his best seasons, if not his best season, as a pro in '08. The 32-year-old third baseman batted .314/.422/.645 with 54 home runs and 156 RBI's. He also had a career best 1.067 OPS. His magnificent season likely will end up with him receiving his 3rd AL MVP Award of his career. But of course, with all his success, he was still the most scrutinized player in all of baseball because of the team he played for.

Of course, I don't think the Twins will ever add a player like Rodriguez, but I do think it'd benefit our team for obvious reasons. He would provide a great right-handed bat that the team has been looking for, he would give the team a lot of publicity which some feel would be good, and he'd put fans in the seats which is probably his biggest asset.

I could go on and on about how it'd be nice to see him in a Twins uniform in 2008, but I'm not going to waste my breath. It'll never happen.

But oh how nice it is to dream.