A thought on A-Rod

Alex Rodriguez and Scott Boras are receiving a lot of criticism for the timing of the notification that A-Rod would be opting out of the final years of his contract, making him a free agent. On the surface, it seems like having the info get out during the 4th game of the World Series isn't the best way to do things.

But, Rodriguez and Boras didn't know the Red Sox were going to end the series on Sunday. And, the Yankees were set to make an announcement on their new manager on Monday (they chose Joe Girardi for the post). So, an announcement on Monday might seem like an attempt to upstage the New York Yankees. Or, if you wait until after the introduction of the new manager, you give the impression that the manager choice (Mattingly and Pena were also interviewed) might have been a deciding factor in whether or not you remain with the team. That's not really fair to Girardi.

I don't know exactly what the intentions of Boras and A-Rod were. I don't really care, but I didn't think the announcement was that big of a deal. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that A-Rod would opt out, was it really a big enough story that it would upstage the World Series? Should the Braves and Tigers have waited a couple weeks to announce the Edgar Renteria trade? I knew Escobar played well for the Braves and Guillen's health made the SS spot in Detroit available, but that trade was more of a surprise to me than A-Rod opting out.

But, I guess if you're looking for one more reason to pile on A-Rod ... you got it.