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I'm shocked he opted out so soon. I would have thought he'd milk it for the meeting with the Yanks.

I wonder if Texas offered a sweetener, conditional to opting out before the WS ended. I have to think that the Yanks aren't happy and I'd imagine if this move surprised them as much as it did me, it could cause a massive rift with Boras.

HI,
Let a Yankees fan be the first to congradualte the Redsox-they were the best team and deserve it/ Just ask one favor-sign A-Rod and let the Yankees sign Lowell-lol

Many things could have been settled in the next 10 days. This had to be decided and then announced during the WS?

A-Rod? Bye. Wonder if you'll ever get your WS ring - and with whom.

Between Clemens and A-Rod we just picked up some cash. Abreu? Can Damon play RF leaving Melky in CF and Matsui in LF? That's another $19MM saved.

Pettite? Posada? Mo?

Stein Jr. was right to think patience will be needed for the next few years. This is a rebuilding period.

Peter, check out this Olney article. Especially the last line. That's exactly how I feel about this guy. As a Red Sox fan, if they were to sign him, I feel the team's make-up, heart and soul, would never be the same.

Tim

Apparently he didn't even return phone calls from Hank and Hal. I think you are on to something, for A-Rod to not even listen to the Yankees' offer, something else has to be brewing. Good luck proving the tampering charges, but I think that obvioulsy happened here.

James-

Great line!

Mitchell/Andy

I think Olney nailed it and I can't see how the Red Sox could sign him. I read that Red Sox fans were chanting "don't sign A-Rod" last night.

Hi Peter, now that it is the next day, and I'm off my high horse, here is my take on ARod.

I think Boras is posturing as he still techinically has 10 days to make the decision. He might be saying we are opting out, he still has the 10 days in case the Yankees make an offer.

But regardless of if he really is opting out, the fact is, the Yankees and their fans could not be happier with this. Sure he is an amazing offensive force, but your offense will not be bad without him. Remember:

Damon
Jeter
Abreu
Posada (maybe)
Cano
Matsui
Giambi (not sure what he has left)
Cabrera
and whoever replaces ARod.

Redeploy the resources into pitching, and more pitching. Free agency might not be the best avenue, so perhaps a tough trade will be needed. I wouldn't touch Kennedy, Joba or Hughes, but the rest of the minor leaguers should be considered if it yields a 1/2 type starter.

Forgetting strategy, the fact he is gone will do wonders for the clubhouse and aura of the team. Like Olney said, he will be the heart and soul of whatever team he plays for and that's not necessarily a good thing.

Andy

My understanding is that they have sent in the paperwork so it is a done deal.

I have to admit, I am happy the drama is over right now, much more than I thought I would be. Nobody is worth all of this and A-Rod can go out and get his $30 million from somewhere else.

And, I think your clubhouse point is 100% right. Did you hear Gammons slam him? Pretty weird to here him down on anyone.

Peter, I see, that changes things. I didn't realize they had to file paperwork but that makes sense.

I'm telling you, he is not worth the salary demands and the trouble. I did not hear Gammons. I'll find the link.