A-Rod: Bronx Bound?

Thanksgiving is a week away, but the Yankees may be getting an early Christmas present to go with their turkey.

It seems like Alex Rodriguez wants back in pinstripes.

The third baseman reached out to the Yanks and it looks like the two sides are negotiating a contract to bring the two-time (and unless something radical happens, three-time) MVP back to the Bronx.  The numbers circulating have the new deal going for 10 years, $275 million. 

So not only is A-Rod willing to take a "pay-cut" to return to the Yankees (the word was that the Yanks were looking to give Rodriguez an extension in the neighborhood of nine years and $260 million or 10 years and $289 million before he flew the coop), but it looks like his agent Scott "Evil" Boras won't be negotiating the new contract.  The Bomber brass initially stated that they didn't want Boras in the room while they banged out the deal, but the latest report has Scotty acting as an advisor to Rodriguez.

You can't make this stuff up.

Actually, if someone did come up with this scenario they would be dismissed, shouted down, laughed at.  I mean who would have ever believed that A-Rod would go to the Yanks after opting out of his contract?  After Hank Steinbrenner all but told Rodriguez to screw off?  And that super-agent Scott Boras would be left with egg on his face?

That's why you can't predict baseball.

It seems Rodriguez was embarrassed with the way Boras handled the whole situation.  The timing for opting out was bad (during the final game of the World Series), the reason for doing so was absurd (the state of flux within the Yankees organization) and the backlash from the media and the fans was intense.  Throw in the report that A-Rod wanted at least $350 million and you had the perfect cocktail for creating a pariah.

So why the change of heart?  If you want to believe that A-Rod wanted back in New York because the thought of wearing another uniform after donning the pinstripes made him sick, well, go right ahead.  I guess anything is possible after today.  Maybe Rodriguez realized that he wasn't going to get the type of money he was looking for from any other team.  Maybe he didn't want to be viewed as a guy who ran away from the big stage when the going got tough.

Who knows?  Here's A-Rod's statement:

"After spending time with Cynthia and my family over these last few weeks, it became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization.

"Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees' ownership. We know there are other opportunities for us, but Cynthia and I have a foundation with the club that has brought us comfort, stability and happiness.

"As a result, I reached out to the Yankees through mutual friends and conveyed that message. I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation.

"Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days."

Hank Steinbrenner, who never seems to be at a loss for words, chimed in:

"Bottom line, the only thing that really matters, is he wants to stay a Yankee. And it could be very well that he's always wanted to stay a Yankee and we just didn't know it."  

Whatever the reason, the Yanks really need Rodriguez back on their side.

And maybe A-Rod realized he needed the Yankees just as much.