NOVEMBER 20, 2007 --

A few questions have come to mind on news that Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) is staying with the New York Yankees for the next ten years at wages of $27.5 million the annum, plus incentives?  

Did the owners of the other teams agree NOT to bid for his services -- as a first step to curbing the free agent salary upward spiral? Did the owners of the other teams conclude that A-Rod is not worth hiring if he cannot guarantee a championship  (he is yet to play on a championship team)?  

Does a player who is paid $27.5 million the annum (a bit more than $500,000 a WEEK) really need INCENTIVES?

LPR  is concerned about the impact of inflation on A-Rod's wages.  Does the ten-year agreement include a COLA (cost of living adjustment).

Will the A-Rod agreement lead to improved Yankees team spirit?  Will this agreement lead to a sound and winning pitcher rotation? Will pitchers ever again pitch complete games. (That, perhaps is another matter.)   

Will this agreement bring the Yankees a World Series championship the last year of "The House that Ruth Built"?  Is Derek Jeter a happy camper?  Is Joe Torre sorry he is the manager of the LA Dodgers?  

Now, that would be something: a World Series, next year, between the A-Rod Yankees and the Joe Torre Dodgers -- to be won by…

(Sorry, LPR does not expect the Yankees will reach next year's World Series, believing the Bambino remains annoyed with management for 1.) leaving his plaza in shambles and 2.) putting an end to his house.)