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A-Rod Calls Bombers' Bluff and Opts Out

Uses clause in contract to declare himself a free agent

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2007 4:38 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Superstar third baseman Alex Rodriguez is no longer a New York Yankee, Sports Illustrated reports. His agent tells the magazine that he notified the club that A-Rod is opting out of his $252 million deal to seek an even bigger one on the open market. The Yankees, who were reportedly planning to offer the two-time MVP an extension, have said repeatedly that they will not pursue him as a free agent.

"Alex made the decision today,'' said agent Scott Boras. "I thought we should notify the club.'' Boras said he did so in writing and left messages for New York general manager Brian Cashman. Boras reportedly refused to meet with the team to discuss a five- or six-year extension that could have been worth $30 million per year.

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez watches as his seventh-inning home run sails over the center field wall against the Cleveland Indians during Game 4 of an American League Division Series baseball playoffs Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez watches as his seventh-inning home run sails over the center field wall against the Cleveland Indians during Game 4 of an American League Division Series baseball playoffs...   (Associated Press)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez reacts after striking out in the first inning leaving two men on base against the Cleveland Indians during Game 4 of an American League Division Series baseball game Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez reacts after striking out in the first inning leaving two men on base against the Cleveland Indians during Game 4 of an American League Division Series baseball game Monday,...   (Associated Press)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez runs to first as he watches the ball go over the wall for a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in this July 25, 2007 file photo in Kansas City, Mo. Rodriguez has opted out...
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez runs to first as he watches the ball go over the wall for a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in this July 25,...   (Associated Press)
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Alex Rodriguez career statistics
Baseball-reference.com

Yankees saying they wanted to meet with A-Rod
Associated Press

 
MLB • Alex Rodriguez • free agency • baseball

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