Afternoon Baseball

from the Red Sox, who defeated a surprisingly strong effort from Colorado in four games. And by surprising, I mean that the Rockies only gave up double-digit runs twice and played within one run twice. I honestly thought there was a chance they would not score and/or lose every game by five or more runs.

If Alex Rodriguez truly doesn't come back, as this opt-out seems to mean the Yanks won't negotiate, the following seem likely:

1. Rodriguez is the next Barry Bonds, only more hated and more natural -- Bonds is well-liked in San Francisco and has established an indentity, but in general is a baseball pariah in spite of the admiration for his baseball abilities. A-Rod doesn't have the steroid woes, but he will have no home base, unless, maybe, he signs with the Dodgers. Even in Anaheim, I think, fans will still taunt him over his frequent failings against them.
And like Bonds, while he also may have truly wanted to win at some point, in the end, he's playing for his own interests. Unlike Bonds, he almost seems more interested in making the most money than even breaking statistical marks.
But he's not a fraud most of the time. He's just brutally honest, through agent Scott Boras, about his belief in his singular importance, and that he's the most important player in the game, and possibly in its history.

2. The Yankees have few or no options for decent production at first or third base barring a trade that gives up pitching prospects and/or Melky Cabrera. Let's say Andy Phillips takes most of the 1B at-bats, with Giambi splitting at DH/1B when healthy. At third, there's a trade for Joe Crede or taking a flier on a marginal group of free agents, including soon-to-be overpayed Mike Lowell, the injured and diminished Morgan Ensberg, and the injured, diminished and overrated Aaron Boone.
Me? I'd try out Ensberg, with Wilson Betemit waiting in the wings for either corner.

3. The Yankees are not a lock for the 2008 postseason. And if they are anywhere near 21-29 again, start the fire sale. And the firings. Hell, Don Mattingly could end up being manager, but as a midseason replacement.

4. Brian Cashman has his work cut out for him, especially if teams and free agents are skeptical of who really runs the show for the Yankees. A power vacuum in the absence of George Steinbrenner, even if perceived, will hurt the Yankees, who already get held hostage for more money and tougher trades than most clubs.

These are just first reactions, bear in mind.