Let The Sweepstakes Begin

Let's start this off by saying that if you're a Yankee fan and you're upset that the whole A-Rod issue is even an issue then you only have yourself to blame. The same manner in which you were able to get him is the same manner in which he's leaving. The Yankee organization GAVE him an option, which like it or not he had the right to exercise. How surprised can you really be? He went from Seattle to Texas for money and then Texas to New York for even more money. You took away the manager that he loved in a manner which was seen as insulting by the national media. You showered him with boos when he wasn't living up to your standards and constantly criticized him for his post season woes. He put up ridiculous numbers playing in a high profile city that can make even the most stable man crumble. So if you're A-Rod, why not leave? You have a good chance of shattering the batting records elsewhere at a much quicker pace.

With that said, let's take a look at possible destinations for A-Rod:

Could he be:

Shea-Rod?: An easy subway ride over to Flushing and a chance to play shortstop again if the Mets move Reyes to second, but would more likely move Wright to second and let A-Rod play third. Probably not a likely destination, but if he did end up there can you imagine the line-up: 1. Reyes 2. Wright 3. Beltran 4. A-Rod 5. Delgado Yeah, sick.

L.A.-Rod?: Reuniting with Torre? Probably not, but then again he could stay at third and be a powerhouse in that line-up. Maybe a good fit to go back to the west coast. I could see it happening.

Devil Ray-Rod?: Tampa? Yeah, that's what I thought too. BUT, then again they'd be pulling in a high profile player for once and could build their team around him. Well, at least for four years until he opts out.

Oakland A-Rod?: A should-be playoff team that thirsts for a consistent bat. Could really fit in with their infield and would be a nice clubhouse presence in a team searching for a solid leader.

City by the Bay-Rod?: The Giants would love to replace the current home run king with the future home run king. Can you imagine that marketing scheme? Boras is drooling just thinking about it. Not to mention rebuilding that team around another perennial MVP. Could have his choice in the field too.

Fenway-Rod?: Boston would love to throw his bat into their line-up, which would be just nasty with the proven Papi, Manny, and Youkilis. Not to mention up and comers Pedroia and Ellsbury. He's already played in the hardest city in sports, so why not for the rivals? Not likely. Additionally he could have a metrosexual contest with Tom Brady and we can finally see who is gayer.

The L.A. of A-Rod?: The Angels have been rumored all along and probably seem to be the best fit. A playoff team with a lot of potential. Ownerships seems weary, so that might be the snag that kills this deal.

Stay-Rod?: Most likely not, however the brothers Grimm could reverse their stand and take him back. They would have to remember if they did then they would never ever be taken seriously by any agent. Ever. Ever. But they could do themselves a favor and save some face. Wait, I almost forgot who I was talking about...

Jay-Rod?: Could use a big name player to boost the only team in Canada. He punishes the ball when they play in the dome, but something tells me that Boras would be bored with Toronto and wouldn't want to use his passport that much to fly in and out.

P.A.-Rod?: The Phillies are going to at least be in the talk concerning his ultimate decision. They might not want the contract in terms of length, but they could use the bat.

Well, I guess we'll just have to see where it goes from here. My guess is that he'll end up with a massive contract and an option after his fourth year. I also think that in those four years we could see an injury, finally. I'm thinking west coast, but then again Boras is always willing and ready to surprise.

Long Live Sports,

DG2