ALEX RODRIGUEZ REPORTED TO HAVE OPTED OUT OF HIS CONTRACT

by DCScrap, Our Book of Scrap

According to FOX, the AP, and other news sources, Alex Rodriguez has decided to opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez loses the final $72 million in guaranteed salary in the contract, of which $21.3 million was to be covered by payments from the Texas Rangers to the Yankees, and becomes eligible for free agency. New York had said it would not attempt to re-sign A-Rod if he opted out.

Boras said during a telephone interview that Rodriguez made his choice because he was uncertain whether Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte would return to the Yankees.

Boras said he attempted to notify Yankees general manager Brian Cashman of the decision Sunday but couldn't reach him, so he left a voice mail.

Apparently the talks between Rodriguez and the Yankees that were rumored to include a 5-year, $140 extension broke down and A-Rod is now on the open market. The Cubs, Angels and Red Sox are teams that have been mentioned as possible suitors.

AP