Should The Yankees Be Worried? Or Not?

Mar 21, 11:17 PM EDT
Yankees Won't Extend A-Rod

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Yankees don't intend to offer Alex Rodriguez a contract extension, leaving him the option of opting out of his deal after the season and becoming a free agent"Alex has a significant contract. The most significant in baseball history," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday. "He has a decision to make. It's in his contract. It's a right he's earned."Rodriguez has four seasons left in the record $252 million, 10-year agreement he signed with Texas before the 2001 season. He is owed $27 million in each of the final three seasons - with the Yankees responsible for $50.7 million and the Rangers owing $30.3 million, including $9 million in deferred money.Under the terms of the deal, Rodriguez can terminate it after this season. He also can stay for 2008 and have the right to opt out of the final two seasons if the Yankees don't boost his salary to $32 million annually for the final two years."If he exercises it, he's a free agent. If he doesn't, he's not," Cashman said. "We'd love to have him stay with us." Cashman's decision was first reported by SI.com.

Andy Pettitte is not expected to make his start Friday for the Yankees and could miss a complete turn through the rotation because of back spasms. No one is yet worried -- publicly, at least -- about Pettitte's status for the opening of the regular season. Pettitte first felt something in his lower back while doing squats after Monday's workout. His scheduled bullpen session yesterday was canceled as he got treatment. Joe Torre said he did not know of any plans for Pettitte to undergo an MRI or any other tests.

With rookie Jeff Karstens pitching well enough to press for a spot in the Yankees rotation and manager Joe Torre not ruling out sending Kei Igawa to the minors, the left-hander responded last night with his best outing of the spring. "Results are important but as of now I just want to get in a groove," he said through interpreter Yumi Watanabe after the Yankees' 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Legends Field. While Igawa -- the $46 million import from Japan -- still had three walks in his five innings, he did not allow a runner past second base. Although he struck out three and gave up just two hits, he started just 10 of the 19 batters he faced with a strike. While Igawa -- the $46 million import from Japan -- still had three walks in his five innings, he did not allow a runner past second base.

Andy Phillips is trying to earn a spot on the team. Even though he is a righty, Doug M. is still expected to get at-bats against lefties. So then, why have a back-up to the back-up?