A-Rod at 40: The best and worst from the controversial Yankee slugger
Worst – The Opt-Out Controversey
As previously mentioned, Alex Rodriguez has always had a knack for knowing where the spotlight is and making sure he finds a way to insert himself right in from of it. While some of this has been good (see the 2001 All-Star Game), there have been moments where it hasn’t been in the best taste.
One such moment came during the 2007 World Series.
With the Yankees eliminated and the rival Boston Red Sox working on a 4-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies for their second World Series title since 2004, A-Rod’s agent chose the wrong stage to make a very special announcement. Already sporting the biggest contract in sports history, Alex Rodriguez would be using the opt-out clause in his contract to re-enter the free agent market and attempt to secure a new, long-term pact.
The news was particularly ill-timed, as it came during the 8th inning of the World Series, a time when Major League Baseball puts a moratorium on such announcements. It was hailed as an attempt by Rodriguez and Boras to put themselves above the game itself and to draw the center of attention away from the game’s marquee event.
Additionally, Rodriguez put himself on the outside of many Yankees fans, who has listened to the slugger state numerous times that he wanted to retire a Yankee. At the time, Rodriguez stated that he was unsure of the direction of the team and thus wanted to test the waters, but did so without first meeting with Yankee management.
In the end, both sides came to the table and found common ground on a new 10-year, $275 million deal. However, the damage was dealt and the relationship between both parties became soured, a necessary evil for each to live with.
Interestingly enough, the timing of the announcement and the new deal were very fortunate for Rodriguez given the next slide.
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