This is madness.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (along with his agent Scott "Evil" Boras) has decided to opt out of his contract and test the free agent waters.
It was a game of chicken between the A-Rod camp and the Yankee camp and A-Rod and Boras fired the first (and I guess final) salvo. The Yankees have repeatedly stated that they would not engage in a bidding war for Rodriguez if he decided to become a free agent and that sentiment was reaffirmed by Hank Steinbrenner:
"We really wanted him back, but obviously he didn't want to be a Yankee. I just think that's a shame. But if that's the case, then this is goodbye."
I felt a wide range of emotions upon hearing the news late Sunday -- shock, bewilderment, rage -- but in the end I can't fault the Yankees. Just last week it was reported that the Yanks were getting ready to offer A-Rod a lucrative extension, but I suppose the idea of having teams tripping over themselves for his services was too alluring for Rodriguez and Boras to pass up. The reason that Boras gave for the timing of the announcement is also pure fantasy and I think everybody realizes that. And that includes A-Rod and Boras.
I'd be a fool to say that A-Rod's departure won't leave holes both offensively and defensively for the Bombers, but if he doesn't want to play in New York then I say good riddance. I'm 100% vested in my team(s) and I expect the same in return. Hell, I'm not getting paid to cheer for these guys and the least they can do is want to be wearing the uniform I'm rooting 
for. I felt (and feel) the same way about Bill Belichick when he decided to scamper off to New England after accepting the Jets head coaching job. I don't care how many Super Bowls he's won.
My cousin left a message about the situation and came up with a fitting nickname for Rodriguez (at least I think he made it up): Pay-Rod.
But, this is America and if that's how A-Rod wants it, then fine.
When the news "broke" late Sunday night I fielded calls from my brother and Vinny from Kearny. We thought the reason Rodriguez decided to opt out was because his camp caught wind that the Yanks were set to hire Joe Girardi as manager. We speculated that maybe A-Rod wanted to launch a preemptive strike so it didn't look like he was opting out because he didn't like the managerial move.
Which brings me to the second piece of news. The Yankees have reportedly offered Joe Girardi the gig as the Yankees man in charge. That means Don Mattingly will be shown the door.
I can't tell you how disappointed I am with this decision. This choice is a clear indication that George Steinbrenner doesn't hold the strings for the Yankees anymore. Mattingly was his guy, but the old man was obviously overruled. The Bombers are now in the hands of GM Brian Cashman, the Steinbrenner brothers and possibly team president Randy Levine. I can't believe I'm actually pining for the days of Mad George, but so far, this new regime has done nothing right.
If you're a person on the outside looking in, you might say that Mattingly didn't deserve the shot. 
That Girardi had managerial experience (one year) and may bring a different attitude and direction to the Bronx. But if you're a Yankee fan, especially a fan coming of age in the 80s and 90s with the Bombers (like yours truly), this decision is a slap in the face to one of the most revered and respected Yankees. To guys in their late 20s and early 30s, Donnie Baseball walked on water. Mattingly, in typical fashion, handed the situation with class:
"Even though this opportunity has passed him by, he wants to thank Mr. Steinbrenner for his initial faith, inspiration and support throughout his playing and coaching career.
Don extends congratulations to Joe and wishes him and the organization good luck next year."
I would cry if I weren't so darn macho.
I'm having a hard time with what's going on in Yankee Land, but I'll try and put a positive spin on things. At the end of the 1995 season, the Bombers jettisoned manager Buck Showalter and catcher Mike Stanley (both unpopular moves at the time) and brought in Tino Martinez to take over for the retired Don Mattingly. I hated all those moves, but the Yanks won the Series in '96 and began their fantastic run.
Maybe this mess can bloom into another Yankee dynasty.
Or maybe this is a prelude to more madness.
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