Bits & Pieces and All About the Money

Seems the Yankees have taken the hard stance and told Alex Rodriguez that they would only negotiate with him and not with his agent, Scott Boras. Boras, in my opinion, is destroying sports with his heavy-handed negotiating style. We all know that Boras talked Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks into signing A-Rod to that 252-million deal back in 2000. Hicks has been on the hook for over 21-million per year of the contract since shipping Rodriguez off to New York 4 years ago.

When A-Rod opted out of his contract during the World Series, it relieved Hicks of his responsibility in the contract. Hicks had to be doing cartwheels upon hearing that news. Now, it's not like we should feel sorry for Hicks. He, of course, leveraged his whole organization with the A-Rod deal and since, hasn't been able to put a competitive team on the field.

Back to the Yankees and their negotiations with A-Rod. After thinking about it, New York was the only place Rodriguez had a chance of securing the type of money he, and his agent, wanted. No other team in baseball has the ablility to pay the money A-Rod is worth and still be able to put a competitive team around him. Even though it will be a staggering amount, (some sources say 10-years at 300-million), the Yankees will be able to compete at the highest level, and won't settle for the first round exits they have suffered the past few seasons under Joe Torre.

The sons of Steinbrenner, Hank and Hal, are chips off the old block (George) and will do whatever is possible to bring championships back to New York. Like the old Who song, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..."

Around the area, kudos to the Cowley women's volleyball squad making it back for another shot at a National Championship this week in Arizona.

South Haven's Cardinal football team taking on Sharon Springs for the 8-man Division II championship this Saturday at Newton. I have been contemplating heading up to watch this game against staying home to watch KU vs Iowa State. I think I am leaning toward going to Newton. These games don't happen very often in our part of the world. I think this could be a real close game as both teams come in ranked #1 and #2. Good luck Cardinals!!

In basketball, KU and K-State are starting out strong this season. KU lost leading scorer and point guard, Sherron Collins with a stress fracture in his left foot. On the plus side, Brandon Rush is set to return, following ligament surgery earlier this summer. A couple of freshman, guard Tyrel Reed from Burlington, and center Cole Aldrich from Minnesota, have looked good so far in the early going.

Over in Manhattan, get ready for the Michael Beasley era. Beasley averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) in the first two games for the Wildcats, including a monster 32-24 effort in the first game. Beasley could be the second coming of Kevin Durant this season if he keeps that up. Unfortunately, we will probably only get to experience this kid for one season. If he stays healthy, he will be getting paid to play next year in the Association.