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
A-Rod Calls Bombers' Bluff and Opts Out
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)   (Associated Press)

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. (More Alex Rodriguez stories.)

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