Both the Cubs and Yankees have something more in common than losing in their respective division series: Alex Rodriguez. Also add just about every other team with deep pockets, including the Angels and Giants; teams that could really use Rodriguez. It’s a sure bet that A-Rod will waive his option and test the free agent waters. His agent, Scott Boras, has already campaigned Rodriguez and as ususal, will create a bidding war for any contenders. Hey, it worked in Boston when Matsuzaka came to the states.

Rodriguez has until November 10th to opt out of his contract, however, after Joe Borowski’s last strike to Jorge Posada, the discussion of what uniform A-Rod will wear next has already begun.

Venturing to Chicago isn’t as easy as reuniting with his old manager, Lou Piniella, someone who Rodriguez has a very strong relationship with and credits with his development as a majour leaguer. There’s a slight problem…well, a $300 million problem. The Cubs made a dire investment to win this year (and ongoing) and won Alfonso Soriano while resigning both Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano. Add Derrek Lee and Ted Lilly and the payroll falls just under $100 million, nearly half of what the Yankees spend and eighth in the MLB. Now add the looming sale of the team, something which is far from happening as Jay Mariotti points out:

“Seems the Tribsters still don’t have the official bidding documents prepared for prospective buyers, meaning the sale process has been set back several weeks — months? — and might not be ready until Opening Day.”

Adding a $300 million salary to the mix won’t help in a sales pitch to the future suitor (besides Mark Cuban) and that’s something that would have both Rodriguez and Boras concerned. Add the fact that the Cubs just signed Ramirez and you already have a depth chart issue. Sure, Rodriguez is gifted enough athletically to move back to shortstop, but that’s unlikely. Then again, Rodriguez coming to Chicago is unlikely in itself.

The fact is that the Yankees need Rodriguez more than Rodriguez needs the Yankees. A new stadium that needs luxury suites sold and a mega homegrown TV deal with the Yes! network begs to have Rodriguez in a Yankees uniform. Then there’s that guy named George Steinbrenner. Add the more than likely departure of Joe Torre and the Yankees definitely need something positive to hold onto coming into 2008.

Steinbrenner is no fool in negotiations and would scoff at any counteroffer from any other team, especially Mr. Theo Epstein and the Red Sox if they were to get involved. If Steinbrenner wants Rodriguez, he’ll have the money and will to do so. The question is, does Rodriguez want to stay in New York? He had a torrid relationship last year with the fans, media, and even Derek Jeter. Fortunately, he started a banner year right of the bat in 2007. Coming to play with Lou Piniella and playing 81 games in Wrigley Field could make a decision from him more interesting. Then again, so does a payday.

Another lesser-known discussed item is the White Sox. Even with a World Series in 2005, they’re still second place in the Second City and with the Cubs making the playoffs this year, it didn’t help to nearly finish last in the AL Central. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf also has deep pockets and it shows with a number four ranking in team payroll. The last thing the White Sox would need is to see A-Rod playing on the North Side. The problem for the White Sox is that they need pitching and the price tag on Rodriguez would literally rule out any other free agent acquisitions.

The hype to bring Rodriguez to Chicago is only going to get more overwhelming in the next few weeks and the Cubs more than likely will stick their hands into the negotiations. Bringing A-Rod to the Cubs may not exactly answer all their questions, especially in the post season. He was just as a bad as the Cubs in the playoffs going 8-59 at the plate and 0-27 (11 strikeouts) with runners on base. Rodriguez loves to be number one, but with the Cubs luck, that would only cause further problems with the rest of the team and in the clubhouse. Add the inevitable curse and its not hard to be skeptical about Rodriguez being the final piece to bringing a World Series to the north side of town. If nothing else, Rodriguez opting out would ring cheers of joy in Texas who is responsible for the $21.33 million of the $91 million for years 2008-2010.

It’s kind of like looking at million dollar homes…love to have it, but its just too expensive.

Technorati Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Scott Boras, George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Theo Epstein, Lou Piniella