Buster Olney mentions again today that he is becoming convinced that Alex Rodriguez will opt out of his contract after 2007, giving up the last three years at $27 million (which is more like $23-24 million, because of the deferred money) to seek something like 8 years, $160 million in the open market.
Being a free agent at 32 is a whole lot more attractive than being a free agent at 35 -- as Olney points out -- and opting out at that point would make a fair amount of sense for Rodriguez, particularly if he tears it up next season.
Let's cross our fingers...that's the equivalent of an extra $21 million or so back in Tommy Boy's pocket if ARod opts out, meaning that much more available to spend on the Rangers...