A-Wrong

The other big story over the weekend was that Alex Rodriguez has opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees, leaving $72 million in the dust. The common consensus is that he's an egotistical jerk who thinks he is better than the game. This charge has been led by, amongst others, writers such as Peter Gammons and Buster Olney. The fact that his opting out became news during Game 4 of the World Series, which then became the deciding game, has everyone painting him as selfish. But I, for once, am ready to defend A-Rod on his leaving, and yes, his timing.

First off, let's look at A-Rod's decision just to leave. Why wouldn't he? When it comes to key players like Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, their futures are uncertain. Take away just one of these players from the Yankees' roster and they are a substantially worse club. The Yankees could have addressed this sooner, but did not.

Then you have the fact that A-Rod has made it apparent for a long time that he does not like New York. For a guy who is supposed to be so addicted to the limelight and wants everything to be about him, he doesn't seem to enjoy it all that much. This whole debate about why he let the news out when he did comes down to two words: Scott Boras. Who do you think leaked that information? Who do you think craves the spotlight more? Did A-Rod even know that is was getting released? Think about it.

Everything about the 2008 season screamed for Rodriguez to leave. The players are getting old, the manager position was in limbo, even the owners had changed. It seems as though he wants to go somewhere like San Francisco, where nobody will see his games and he can be left alone, much like Barry Bonds, the man who currently hold the record that A-Rod is chasing. And with all of that tabloid front pages, constant criticism and unrivaled prodding into his privacy, can you blame him?