X-Rod

Take your pick.

Angels? Dodgers? Red Sox?

Keep guessing.

Tigers? Cubs? Giants?

Who knows.

When it comes to the 2008 hometown of baseball's best player, there only appears to be one certainty: it won't be New York. But not so fast.

After Alex Rodriguez slapped us all in the face by announcing his decision to opt out of his contract with the Yankees during game four of the World Series, Mets third baseman David Wright says he's willing move to second base--were New York's NL team to acquire A-Rod. Still, that doesn't mean the Mets have anything locked up. It's merely a reason to add the Mets to the laundry list of teams drooling over baseball's biggest free agent ever. All we know is that he won't be a Yankee. Beyond that, good luck guessing. As Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times put it yesterday:

"[O]n the first day of the A-Rod shopping season, an executive with one American League team interested in signing him let out a sigh, a herald of the off-season to come, full of juicy rumors and outrageous dollars and mystery teams.

"'The circus has begun,' the executive said Monday."

After hitting 54 home runs, driving in 156, and scoring an additional 143...just think about those numbers for a second...Alex Rodriguez and super-agent Scott Boras are in line to command the most lucrative contract in baseball history, and for good reason. He's a lock to receive his third MVP award for his 2007 performance. In search of a long-term contract, Alex Rodriguez will likely break Barry Bonds' tainted home run record with the next team that signs him. Plus, at 32 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down. Rodriguez has played in at least 148 games each of the past 8 seasons, notching a full 162 games three times, in addition to 161 games with Texas in 2003. Bottom line: He will produce for whomever he plays--the key word being whomever.

Whatever may happen, expect irony. Angels owner Arte Moreno has said he couldn't imagine paying any one player more than $20 million per year, but he would have to pay A-Rod much more. And with a thinning starting rotation, the Angels might need to invest elsewhere. But don't write him off just yet, Anaheim. According to today's article by the Times' Mike DiGiovanna,

"(A) factor improving the Angels' chances of signing Rodriguez: They could clear $18 million after 2008 by letting Anderson and Cabrera go and free up $4.75 million by trading Chone Figgins. An increase in ticket prices should also boost revenue."

The Dodgers seem to have bigger things to worry about, according to Shaikin:

"The Dodgers are a mess, with ownership flirting with replacements for a manager while they already have one. In the final week of the season, General Manager Ned Colletti said he would not talk about Rodriguez until he opted out. But Colletti did not return calls Monday and has not returned calls since the end of the season, so you wonder if ownership might be flirting with replacements for him too."

The Red Sox? 'Nuff said.

Shaikin presents perhaps the most interesting idea of all:

"How about the Florida Marlins, Rodriguez's hometown team? They could trade third baseman Miguel Cabrera for three top players, build around A-Rod and shortstop Hanley Ramirez and contend in the National League East.

"So A-Rod might cost $30 million a year. The Marlins receive about $30 million a year in revenue sharing. Imagine that, Hank Steinbrenner: You could be paying Rodriguez to play for the Marlins."

Whatever happens, don't rush to stick a label A-Rod's next hometown. Teams can't even negotiate financial terms until Nov. 13. Until then, the man without a home (or, the man with a home everywhere beyond the Bronx) might as well be called X-Rod.

Managers in the News

The Yankees are yet again commandeering the headlines of baseball news today, as the New York franchise announced they have hired a new manager: Joe Girardi.

Almost two weeks ago, Joe Torre turned down the Yankee's offer to remain with the team for a thirteenth year. Torre explained that it was time to move on from New York. In ESPN's article, he "didn't blast his former employer but provided a window into how he felt: as though he no longer was wanted."

But on to the new Joe. ESPN's Keith Law thinks Girardi is the right man for the job. "By turning the club over to a much younger manager in Joe Girardi and giving him a three-year deal, the Yankees have created a situation in which the manager's incentives more closely reflect the long-term goals of the club, which revolve around young pitchers, " he writes. Read the rest of the article here.

According to Fox Sports, "Girardi's deal is worth about $7.8 million, a person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Yankees didn't announce the details. It includes bonuses based on how far the team advances in the postseason."

When asked how he felt about replacing the legendary Joe Torre, Girardi replied that he didn't think he was there to replace anyone:

"I don't think you can ever replace a figure because that figure is unique in his own way. What I'm going to do is I'm going to be myself," Girardi said. "And yes, are there expectations on me and, you know, the coaching staff and the players? Absolutely. The same expectations that were on Joe Torre when he came in in 1996.

"I can't be Joe Torre because I'm made up different," Girardi said. "You know, I'm a different character, so I don't really necessarily worry about replacing someone or how I'm going to replace someone. I'm more worried about just being myself and getting the most out of the guys."

But where will Torre go? There are lots of rumors floating around, but the most popular seems to be that he is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although this has not been confirmed, it seems highly likely that LA is where he will end up, especially with today's announcement of the resignation of current Dodger's manager Grady Little.

ESPN reports that Little's decision to resign had been on his mind since the end of the season. The article also reports that Dodger's general manager Ned Colletti wanted Little to return for another season.

So now that Little is gone, will Torre bring his expertise to Dodger Stadium? That all remains to be seen...

Damn Yankees

It should've been about Boston--baseball's new dynasty, after 86 years of shame. It even could've been about the Rockies and their incredible run, albeit four games short. But it shouldn't have been about the Yankees--not after they were ousted in the first round for the third year in a row. Not after Colorado went on a run for the record books. Not after their rivals swept the Rockies with more ease than a kid sweeps his garage on a Saturday morning to win their second title in four years after coming up empty for so long.

But as George Steinbrenner and strategy would have it, this postseason was overshadowed by a team that collapsed before a leaf could say, "I'm falling!" To New York's credit, this October was more bland than the playoffs should ever be. Even Jason Varitek and Jonathan Papelbon sounded like sleepwalking zombies during their post-game interviews with Fox's Chris Myers--this just after winning the World Series! Nevertheless, by blatantly stirring up enough drama to spook away even its truest fans before Halloween, the Yankees gave Boston, and baseball in general, a slap in the face.

First, it was the Joe Torre saga. Just hours before the Red Sox and Indians began game 5 of the ALCS (Cleveland holding a commanding 3-1 series lead--remember that?) on October 18, SI.com reported that Joe Torre rejected the Yankees' contract offer and would not return as their manager. One reporter even had the audacity to ask Boston manager Terry Francona for his take on the Torre situation in the wake of game 5. This as Boston is up against a wall, and Manny doesn't care, leaving Francona with more than enough to worry about for his own ballclub--Yankees be damned.

Some people might not remember how dominant the Red Sox were in overcoming the 3-1 deficit to advance to the Fall Classic. How did Cleveland fall apart so quickly? How did Boston catch fire? Wait...who cares? The Yankees were interviewing Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi and Tony Pena! It's a good thing Boston swept Colorado before the Bronx Bombers-no-more could name their next manager, even if it would violate baseball code by announcing a transaction during the World Series.

But wait, there's more. When the Yankees and Red Sox are involved, there's always more. Sunday, it came in the form of Alex Rodriguez. The AL MVP-to-be, without whom the Yankees never would have made the playoffs, just happened to opt out of his contract with New York on the day everyone knew belonged to Boston. I happened to check out ESPNews between innings during game 4. I expected the headline ESPN always places in the bottom-right corner to say something about the game--perhaps a score. After all, it was the World Series. But instead, the headline tells me "Alex Rodriguez opts out of contract with NYY. " NYY? Why must I be told about NYY when the only two teams still playing are BOS and COL?!?

ESPN The Magaine's Buster Olney points out the ironic timing:

"The way this played out could not have been more apropos, because A-Rod needs to be bigger than the game; he needs to be more important than the Red Sox or the Rockies or any other team, or any other player. He is one of the greatest players in history at compiling statistics, the greatest ever at compiling wealth, and his next employer will have to buy into that. The World Series can't matter as much as A-Rod. "

This day belonged to Boston. Try as they might to steal the spotlight, the A-Rod and the Yankees will soon see what the rest of us already know: There's a new power in baseball. It remains in the AL East, but--like baseball's biggest star--no longer in New York.

Eds. note: A-Rod, sign with the Angels and you will be excused for stealing the Sox' thunder.

Sox Sweep

The World Series had barely begun, and now it's over (much to the disappointment of FOX, who would have surely preferred a few more games). The Red Sox were unstoppable. Their team is too well-rounded from top to bottom, and it's a sad statement about the National League that the Rockies were the best the league could bring to the table.

There was nothing particularly interesting about this World Series. It didn't hold historic significance like the Red Sox's 2004 season. The Rockies' magical late-season surge (21-1 during their last 22 games before playing the Red Sox) ended with a whimper. The series itself was a dud in terms of excitement and intrigue, for the Red Sox dominated early and never let up.

And so, it's interesting to see other news sources desperately attempt to dig up something interesting about the series to mention.

Actually, ESPN's Jim Caple didn't try at all. He called it as he saw it, saying that this was "the worst postseason in baseball history."

You know a postseason is bad when the most interesting moment is an invasion of insects.

This World Series has been particularly disappointing. It held such promise. Old against young. The tradition and history-bound Boston Red Sox with their powerful lineup, intriguing starters and Riverdancing closer against the upstart Colorado Rockies and their powerful lineup, solid bullpen and miraculous winning stretch. Cramped and historic Fenway Park versus enormous and new Coors Field. Minutemen versus cowboys. Sea level versus mile high. The Green Monster versus the humidor. Samuel Adams versus the microbrewery.

Oh, it was going to be good. All those passionate (i.e., obnoxious) Red Sox fans, plus a brand new set of fans experiencing the World Series for the very first time.

But what have we gotten? A 13-1 Game 1 blowout, a 2-1 Game 2 that despite its close score, never seemed in doubt after the fifth inning and then Saturday's 10-5 Game 3.

So much for the great expectations. As one father said to his son during Saturday's game, "Well, at least you're here to see it. Even if it is s---."

The Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin offered a more restrained assessment, but with a hint of disappointment:

This series was no accident, starting with the most lopsided Game 1 in World Series history. And the final game had little suspense, with the Red Sox taking the lead after five pitches.

As Seth Smith struck out, for the final out, Papelbon flung his glove at the sky. Then he rushed into the arms of catcher Jason Varitek and disappeared into a sea of teammates. Baseball's best team, and champions again.

Most writers are coming to the conclusion that the Red Sox are this decade's team, now becoming the first team this decade to win twice. With their significant payroll and impressive farm system, it appears the Boston team will not only be a major contender next year, but for many years to come.

The New York Times' Tyler Kepner says is simply:

They have gone from exorcism to coronation in record time. The Boston Red Sox, who fought ghosts for most of the last century, are the premier team of the new millennium.

Thus, Bostonians can celebrate tonight and look forward to future success. For all other baseball fans, thank goodness something else happened today -- something concerning this year's expected American League MVP. But it's not right to talk about that player tonight. This is Boston's night.

UPDATE: Game 3

It appears the Red Sox are having no trouble at all adjusting to the high altitude at Coors Field. In the third inning, they lead the Rockies 6-0. Follow the live action online at espn.com.

The Rockies Go Home

After two disappointing games for the Rockies on the east coast, they are heading home to Coors Field. The Rockies will have the home field advantage for tonight's game, as the World Series heads to Denver for the first time ever. But there might be something besides screaming Rockies fans standing in Boston's way: the altitude.

Coors Field is at an elevation of 5,280 feet, one mile above sea level. Up there the air is thinner and the balls will move faster, possibly giving the Rockies who know this field oh so well, an advantage. But will the difference in air pressure really affect the outcome of the game?

According to an article in the Boston Globe it will. "Baseball is about physics as much as physical coordination and conditioning," writes Colin Nickerson of the Globe staff. "And the atmospheric physics of mile-high Denver are markedly different from those of Boston-by-the-Sea."

Nickerson writes that while the thinner air makes for longer hits, it will also affect the pitchers' games - most noticeably the Red Sox pitchers' games. "'Breaking pitches will break less. Fastballs will pick up a little speed, but rise less . . . because they are moving through a thinner fluid,' or air," according to physicist Barry Zink.

But is all this about the thinner air and its effect on the game just an excuse for Red Sox players not looking forward to playing away from home? The Red Sox have only played one series at Coors Field, losing two of three games to the Rockies in 2004.

An article in the Denver Post says its not the balls the Red Sox should be worried about, its their endurance. In the thin air, players get winded faster and can become easily dehydrated. "The Red Sox told their players to drink, drink, drink—water, that is...'On the plane, all over the locker room, trainer's room: Just drink that water, stay hydrated,' rookie center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury said."

It's not that the Red Sox are going to be the only ones affected by these altitude conditions, but the Rockies are used to what the thinner air does to them and know how to adjust their game accordingly. It remains to be seen whether Boston can learn to do the same.

Hooligans 2, Rockies 0

If not for their jerseys, it would be take a while to guess whom Red Sox relievers work for.

They've got moves like you've never seen, but you probably won't catch them on "Dancing With the Stars" any time soon. They bang on their bullpen overhang with the fervor of fourth graders and can actually hold a decent beat. Their cheerleading prowess, however, pales in comparison to that of the Song Girls.

Everything comes into focus when they take that fire, apply it to baseball, and shove it down the Rockies' throats. So much for success serving as a byproduct of professionalism. Ah, yes, these are the Red Sox indeed.

In game two of the World Series, Boston's bullpen made its presence known well before starting pitcher Curt Schilling finished his work. Fox captured the Sox' antics by repeatedly cutting away to Boston's bullpen -- also known as the Black Pearl, for reasons to be seen shortly -- as early as the fourth inning. In his column on the Red Sox relievers, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes that Mike Timlin, the "Admiral" of the Black Pearl by virtue of his veteran status, went so far as to bring in a stuffed parrot to serve as the bullpen mascot.

Once called upon, however, it's strictly business for this seemingly untouchable bunch of relievers. Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon starred as usual on Thursday night, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings to preserve a 2-1 Red Sox victory and put the Rockies on the ropes. While Papelbon is known to dance and Okajima refuses to partake, Crasnick notes in his column that, "standing on a mound, they're both pretty darned good."

Red Sox relievers might be crazy, but they're undeniably dominant. Barring another magical run by the Rockies, Papelbon might soon top his electric stuff on the mound with an even more legendary version of the Riverdance he has performed during on-field celebrations:

When Winning Is Losing

With their 2-1 victory, the Boston Red Sox will head to Coors Field with a comfortable two-game lead over the Colorado Rockies. It's looking good for Manny and Company. Most likely, the Red Sox soon will win their seventh World Series, and their first since 2004's run, which famously broke their 86-year-old drought.

I recall watching "Reverse of the Curse of the Bambino," a HBO documentary that followed Red Sox fans during the 2004 season. Of course, the fans were elated about the World Series win, and the film included touching scenes such as one woman's visit to a family member's grave, where she left a World Series flag for the deceased Red Sox fan.

But, the documentary also hinted at something else -- that deep down, perhaps on some subconscious level, the Red Sox fans didn't want to win the 2004 World Series. After all, their lack of winning is what has defined Bostonians for over eight decades. They were losers and proud of it. Regardless of their Red Sox's continual losing, the fans loved their team the same way a parent loves his or her child no matter what.

Then the Red Sox won, and they became just another baseball team. Their fans became just another group of fans. I no longer see the desperation in the fans' eyes. I no longer see that look of utter despair and intense longing -- that look that says, "Please, please, please, Lord of Baseball, let our measly Red Sox team win just one World Series. Just one."

No, the Red Sox are now a powerhouse, and their fans expect to win. A few journalists have picked up on the Red Sox's sudden image reversal and how it effects the team's fans.

David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution talks to Sam Morton, a 19-year-old Red Sox fan:

Then I had to ask him: Was it better to be the luckless underdogs the Red Sox had been for most of a century, or the big-spending franchise going for a second World Series title in four years? After all, it’s hard to call the Yankees the Evil Empire when the Red Sox are spending more than anyone but the Yankees, and when the Red Sox are the team going for their second ring in four years while the Yankees haven’t won one in seven years.

“That’s a great question,” Morton said. “Growing up we were always underdogs, always in the Yankees’ shadow. Now we’ve got this powerhouse team. We really pounded the Rockies last night.”

He didn’t answer my question, but that was OK.

The kid's refusal to answer the question made me chuckle. No doubt, some older Red Sox fan will be telling Morton stories about how, back in the day, the Red Sox weren't an unstoppable force. "When I was your age, son..."

A Bates College professor is saying that the Red Sox's success could trigger an "identity crisis" for the team's fans:

Decades of not winning have defined Red Sox fans as virtuous, stubborn loyalists who stick with their team even when their allegiance goes unrewarded, Margaret Creighton said.

"It's really quite jarring for Red Sox fans now to have to deal with success, and it might be repeated," Creighton told the Sun Journal of Lewiston. "Once could be a fluke, getting rid of the curse ... But twice? This is very challenging and, to a degree, upsetting."

Success, she said, would bring accusations that Red Sox fans are arrogant, haughty, "that the Red Sox are the Yankees," Creighton said. She questions whether fans can handle a second championship "with a degree of humility."

And USA Today's Mike Lopresti chimes in:

Meet the new Yankees. As empires go, the Boston Red Sox have everything they need, except for maybe pinstripes.

They do not spend as much of the GNP as George Steinbrenner, but more than anybody else. Nearly three times more than the Colorado team they are about to play in the World Series.

Forget the idea of long sufferers, and the anguish passed from New England generation to generation. This is post-curse Boston.

But Halloween is just around the corner. There's still time left for Colorado to re-curse the Red Sox. It could be "The Curse of the Haunted Humidor."