What the Yankees Can Do With A-Rod

As explained in the companion article, Alex Rodriguez has made it clear that he will become a free agent at the end of the 2007 MLB season. This creates the very real possibility that he could leave New York at the end of the year. Given the treatment he has received from the fans, the New York media and his former buddy Derek Jeter, one could hardly blame A-Rod for bolting from Yankee Stadium come November. Since they have no leverage to use against Rodriguez -- he has a no trade clause in his contract so New York can't even move him before July 31 for prospects or middle relievers -- they just have to wait and wonder.

Or Maybe They Don't

Here is one idea that the New York Yankees brain trust should think long and hard about. Forget about him. Just forget A-Rod. Let him opt out of his contract and let him go. Hope he keeps playing at his current MVP-level for the rest of the year and can help New York somehow win now, but don't worry about him after that. Here's why:

1. It is not worth it to the Yankees to bid against other teams this November in the hopes of landing Rodriguez for $30 million or more a year from 2008 through about 2014. Remember, if things keep going the way they are in 2007, A-Rod will be 0 for 4 in his efforts to capture a World Series title with the Bronx Bombers. Can the team really justify paying $30 million to a player who is not putting them over the top? Scratch that. Can they justify paying that much to a player whose team has gotten worse each season he has been on the roster?

2. This is especially true because there is a lot of young talent out there, and if the Yankees play their cards correctly, they could free up more than $100 million in salary at the end of both the 2007 and 2008 MLB seasons combined.

3. For example, if the Yankees simply forget about A-Rod the day after he declares himself a free agent, Mr. Rodriguez will still be able to land a filthy rich contract, probably for seven or eight more years. But without the Yankees in the bidding, it is hard to believe that any other team will give him the $30 million he is seeking. So, it's a nice way to kind of stick one in his craw before he heads off to Boston or Los Angeles or wherever he is going.

4. Moreover, by simply letting Alex Rodriguez go, the team will free up $25 million per season over the next three years (or $75M total). They will also be free of the $18 million they are currently spending on Roger Clemens. That means they will have $43 million to spend on free agents this off-season without even having to dip into George Steinbrenner's treasure trove.

5. Morever, after the 2008 MLB season, the Yankees will be free of Mike Mussina's $11 million, Jason Giambi's $21 million, Andy Pettitle's $16 million, and the $25 million that had been earmarked for Rodriguez in 2009. That's another $73 million in new money.

6. In just two years, the Yankees will have more freed-up money to spend than all of the Balkan states combined.

Where to Spend the Money?

Torii Hunter. The best MLB free agent who will be available in November 2007 is Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter. Given the Yankees defensive problems in the outfield, he may be a logical choice. A left-handed batter with good power, great speed and six Gold Gloves. Hunter has even indicated that he would like to play in the Bronx. The Yankees should get him, place him in center field, and allow the promising Melky Cabrera to play right field in 2008.

Miguel Cabrera. This kid may be just as good as Alex Rodriguez, and he is almost a decade younger. Cabrera is a .313 career hitter who averages 43 doubles, 31 home runs and 117 RBI per season. And he just turned 24, compared with A-Rod, who is 32. Plus, Cabrera has played well in the post-season, batting higher and hitting more home runs than Rodriguez. Oh yeah, and he won a World Series in 2003 with the Marlins.

The only problem here is that Miguel Cabrera is not a free agent until after the 2008 season. He could sign with Florida, but it's doubtful that they will have the type of money that Cabrera will command. So, early in 2008, the Yankees should trade for Cabrera and then sign him to a five-to-seven year deal worth about $15-$17 million per season.

Bottom Line. Over the next 6-8 years, the Yankees could have two stars for the price of what they would have to pay A-Rod. They should think about it. They should think long and hard about it instead of getting caught up in a bidding war that they can win, but that may not win for them.

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See Companion A-Rod Article

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