A-Rod opts out of contract

[rbnn]

Even supposing Rodriguez is a great player, signing him could hurt a team in several ways.

First, his post-season performance has been poor, batting 4 for 47. Since game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, he has been 0 for 27 with runners on base.

Second, he tends to soak up the media attention of a team, particularly when he is in the quest for some records. When he played for the Yankees, for example, he would be routinely featured in headlines reporting games even when other players' contributions in that game were more significant. When less famous players do not get media credit for their contributions, team morale may suffer.

Third, that his salary is so much greater than other position players is likely either to engender resentment by the other players or to induce players to try and emulate Rodriguez' crowd-pleasing power-hitting style, to the detriment of small-ball and defense.

Fourth, he is unsportsmanlike. There was the slap play in Boston; the "I got it" play in Toronto; and the announcement of his leaving New York during the 2007 world series. It could be demoralizing to a team for such extraordinarily obnoxious behavior to be rewarded.

Fifth, a team that signs him has much less money to spend on other players and other prospects, particularly with the luxury tax. This can hurt the team by reducing their ability to sign prospects and other agents.

Sixth, if the contract is long-term, that one contract can severely harm the franchise if his player significantly deteoriates.


Thus, even if it is true that he is a great player, his signing can hurt a team in many other ways.

It may be that his benefits to a team are greater than the liabilities listed here, but even so, these liabilities must be considered and factored in.