Can Arod Shine in one of Baseball's Legendary Dynasties, Or is he better off in a City That Doesn't Care about it's Baseball Team?
Where will Alex Rodriguez End Up In 2008? Part II:Red Sox, Marlins and Bears(Cubs) Oh My!
10/31/07
--Dexter Sports
Though the baseball off-season officially began yesterday, when over 50 players filed for free agency, and multiple players have had their options picked up, the focus has still been on Alex Rodriguez, and the game being played to find out where he will end up in 2008. Tonight, I continue the series with a look into two historic and well-loved franchises, and one that could build itself up to that status if they built around Alex Rodriguez.
The Chicago Cubs:
The Cubs have been rumored to be after Alex Rodriguez ever since Lou Pinella was brought in to lead this team to the promised land. The relationship between the two sure does make this an intriguing team to throw into the mix. Whether it is the curse of the goat that looms over Wrigley Field, or the strings of baseball left over from the infamous "Bartman Baseball Blowup," the cubs need something to propel them from this era that looms over them.
With Aramis Ramirez locked up at third base with a huge contract extension last off-season, The Cubs would have a hefty left side of the infield, and possibly the best lineup in the National League. Cubs prospect shortstop Ryan Theriot would possibly make the switch to second base and the development of youngster Felix Pie could be done at the major league level, without the worry of hefty production. Though a heart of the order that consisted of Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez would automatically insert the Cubs into the playoffs, the franchise has bigger problems to face. Without ownership in place, I cannot see this deal getting done.
Final Line: Though this has been the targeted destination since the beginning of the '07 season, it is not likely that the Cubs could satisfy baseball's greatest possession unless the ownership situation is figured out REAL SOON.
Ranking: 7 of 8
World Champion Red Sox Right in the Middle of the Mix
We've seen it time after time in baseball's off-season. First it was Manny Ramirez in 2000. Next it was David Ortiz in 2002. Insert others, such as Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and many many more. So why not Rodriguez in 2007? With a chance to spite the Yankees, and to improver their overall offense, It is a very good chance around will move to Massachusetts and sit in the middle of what I would consider the best middle of the order in baseball history.
Though it is a very high possibility that Alex Rodriguez will consider the Red Sox, I am not sure that the Sox will consider him. The Sox have continued to address Mike Lowell, who is now embedded as part of the Red Sox Nation. Though the Red Sox do not have any real high prospects at the shortstop or third base position, the Red Sox are stuck in a overbearing contract with current shortstop Julio Lugo. The emergence of players like Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury have also shown that this teams farm system is actually beginning to pay off. Plus, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein would be better off rebuilding a bullpen around youngsters Johnathon Papelbon and Manny Declarman. Starting Pitching could also be addressed if the Sox do not offer Curt Schilling a two year deal.
Final Line: Don't Be Surprised if you see AROD in Fenway next year, but with the emergence of Mike Lowell, It seems evident that The Red Sox will defend without Alex Rodriguez
Ranking: 4 of 8
Alex Rodriguez Returning Home: Marlins Would Make a Push if They Knew What was Good for Them.
With a Young Core and a solid future, The Marlins, a dying dynasty would be stupid to not consider making a deal for Alex Rodriguez. Nothing would sell better than America's best player with sold-out games and the marketing that he would bring to Tampa, the franchise could easily move forward into the process of building a new stadium.
Though the thought of Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera and Alex Rodriguez builds a scary feature for opposing NL East teams, knowing the Marlins history tells me this wont work for many reasons. First of all, the idea of a long term contract does not exist and the constant rebuilding might pull Rodriguez away from the prospect of playing in his home town. Like always, The Marlins might pass up on a opportunity to build one of the best sports franchises in sports. Though we did see the splurge before the 2003 season, that included the signing of Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Pierre and Mark Redman, and an eventual world series championship, the team held the second "fire house" like it has been known to do in the past. Though Alex Rodriguez could be the savior to the slow death of professional baseball in Florida, I don't think a long term agreement would last in Florida.
Final Line: If Rodriguez can come to terms with the ridiculous ownership in Florida, this is possible, though a long term deal seems nearly impossible.
Ranking 5 of 8
-JoeyD
Tomorrow- Three teams stick out more than anyone in the AROD Contest. Find out why AROD will most likely play in California next year!
10/31/07
--Dexter Sports
Though the baseball off-season officially began yesterday, when over 50 players filed for free agency, and multiple players have had their options picked up, the focus has still been on Alex Rodriguez, and the game being played to find out where he will end up in 2008. Tonight, I continue the series with a look into two historic and well-loved franchises, and one that could build itself up to that status if they built around Alex Rodriguez.
The Chicago Cubs:
The Cubs have been rumored to be after Alex Rodriguez ever since Lou Pinella was brought in to lead this team to the promised land. The relationship between the two sure does make this an intriguing team to throw into the mix. Whether it is the curse of the goat that looms over Wrigley Field, or the strings of baseball left over from the infamous "Bartman Baseball Blowup," the cubs need something to propel them from this era that looms over them.
With Aramis Ramirez locked up at third base with a huge contract extension last off-season, The Cubs would have a hefty left side of the infield, and possibly the best lineup in the National League. Cubs prospect shortstop Ryan Theriot would possibly make the switch to second base and the development of youngster Felix Pie could be done at the major league level, without the worry of hefty production. Though a heart of the order that consisted of Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez would automatically insert the Cubs into the playoffs, the franchise has bigger problems to face. Without ownership in place, I cannot see this deal getting done.
Final Line: Though this has been the targeted destination since the beginning of the '07 season, it is not likely that the Cubs could satisfy baseball's greatest possession unless the ownership situation is figured out REAL SOON.
Ranking: 7 of 8
World Champion Red Sox Right in the Middle of the Mix
We've seen it time after time in baseball's off-season. First it was Manny Ramirez in 2000. Next it was David Ortiz in 2002. Insert others, such as Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and many many more. So why not Rodriguez in 2007? With a chance to spite the Yankees, and to improver their overall offense, It is a very good chance around will move to Massachusetts and sit in the middle of what I would consider the best middle of the order in baseball history.
Though it is a very high possibility that Alex Rodriguez will consider the Red Sox, I am not sure that the Sox will consider him. The Sox have continued to address Mike Lowell, who is now embedded as part of the Red Sox Nation. Though the Red Sox do not have any real high prospects at the shortstop or third base position, the Red Sox are stuck in a overbearing contract with current shortstop Julio Lugo. The emergence of players like Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury have also shown that this teams farm system is actually beginning to pay off. Plus, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein would be better off rebuilding a bullpen around youngsters Johnathon Papelbon and Manny Declarman. Starting Pitching could also be addressed if the Sox do not offer Curt Schilling a two year deal.
Final Line: Don't Be Surprised if you see AROD in Fenway next year, but with the emergence of Mike Lowell, It seems evident that The Red Sox will defend without Alex Rodriguez
Ranking: 4 of 8
Alex Rodriguez Returning Home: Marlins Would Make a Push if They Knew What was Good for Them.
With a Young Core and a solid future, The Marlins, a dying dynasty would be stupid to not consider making a deal for Alex Rodriguez. Nothing would sell better than America's best player with sold-out games and the marketing that he would bring to Tampa, the franchise could easily move forward into the process of building a new stadium.
Though the thought of Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera and Alex Rodriguez builds a scary feature for opposing NL East teams, knowing the Marlins history tells me this wont work for many reasons. First of all, the idea of a long term contract does not exist and the constant rebuilding might pull Rodriguez away from the prospect of playing in his home town. Like always, The Marlins might pass up on a opportunity to build one of the best sports franchises in sports. Though we did see the splurge before the 2003 season, that included the signing of Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Pierre and Mark Redman, and an eventual world series championship, the team held the second "fire house" like it has been known to do in the past. Though Alex Rodriguez could be the savior to the slow death of professional baseball in Florida, I don't think a long term agreement would last in Florida.
Final Line: If Rodriguez can come to terms with the ridiculous ownership in Florida, this is possible, though a long term deal seems nearly impossible.
Ranking 5 of 8
-JoeyD
Tomorrow- Three teams stick out more than anyone in the AROD Contest. Find out why AROD will most likely play in California next year!
