Time has come for embattled Yankee to accept trade

	Alex Rodriguez's postseason shortcomings may be too much to overcome for him in the Big Apple. AP
	RELATED • Torre escapes Boss' wrath, stays for '07 • Cashman: Yanks not looking to trade A-Rod • HEYMAN: Decision impacts Cashman, A-Rod • GALLERY: The Boss' bold declarations

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It's time for Alex Rodriguez to start thinking seriously about accepting a trade out of New York. For his own sake, he should.

Someone close to A-Rod said he thought he could live with Joe Torre "for a year," which happens to be exactly what remains on Torre's contract. But it's apparent now that he'd prefer not to. And Torre has made it clear that, at the very least, Rodriguez is a puzzle he can't figure out. (Torre also has told at least one executive with another club I know that A-Rod is the problem and he wants A-Rod gone.)

Rodriguez loves New York and wants to succeed in New York. He is also a key to them getting into the postseason, as he's averaged 40 dingers playing in Yankee Stadium his three years. So he'd be a loss. But all anyone remembers in New York is the postseason.

The last thing A-Rod wants is to leave as a more talented Ed Whitson or Bobby Bonilla or Kenny Rogers, three who failed to make it in New York. And he has a no-trade clause to ensure he can stay where he's not wanted (or where, if he is, folks have a funny way of showing it).

For some reason, Rodriguez doesn't have the support of a lot of fans, much of the media, his former friend Derek Jeter or Torre, who insulted A-Rod by batting him eighth in a desperation move and has spoken publicly and openly about A-Rod's alleged weaknesses, something he normally is unwilling to do.

Personally, I don't get it. Rodriguez is a gentleman who works his tail off and stays out of trouble. But it's time to deal with the reality. At the very least, the major parties involved -- Rodriguez, Torre, GM Brian Cashman and agent Scott Boras -- need to hash things out.

Cashman, one of a couple of top Yankees execs who worked hard to save Torre's job, said yesterday that he "fully expects Alex to be here" next year. But that is certainly much less than a guarantee. In past interviews, Cashman has been much more definitive about it. It was obvious to everyone in the room yesterday: Torre's return has diminished A-Rod's chances to do the same.

The Rodriguez issue was said not to be part of the two-day debate that resulted in a 12th year for Torre. But the reality now is that the Yankees would only be increasing the soap opera if they brought A-Rod back. It might have worked in New York for Rodriguez with Lou Piniella, his longtime mentor. But George Steinbrenner, whose first inclination was to turn to Piniella but who is obviously "mellowing," in the words of one of his underlings, eventually took Cashman's word that this year's failure wasn't Torre's fault. And that the previous five straight failures supposedly weren't Torre's fault either.

One thing's for sure: Torre failed Rodriguez.

But ultimately, of course, Rodriguez has to look in the mirror too. He has failed in the clutch, and if he returns, it's going to be all about him again. Which is to his detriment, and to the team's. Unwittingly and unhappily, he has become the focus and a distraction.

So we'd better start considering the possibilities. Here are the pros and cons of the possible landing spots and some teams that have no chance:

1. Angels. They have already inquired about A-Rod, so you know they're interested. Rodriguez could be reenergized by playing in a beautiful locale, in a wonderful ballpark and for a great owner and manager. Rodriguez relishes his day-trips to Miami with his wife and infant daughter, so moving cross-country would be a drawback. But the Angels, with owner Arte Moreno promising something "major," definitely are a contender, and probably a player for A-Rod.

2. Dodgers. Another team that's sure to be interested. The Dodgers are about to lose third baseman Bill Mueller, whose ravaged knees won't allow him to play. And they lack power. Again, the distance is the drawback.

3. Orioles. They're sure to be in there making a pitch. And guess what? Rodriguez may be the one star player with a soft spot for the Orioles, who already have investigated trading Miguel Tejada. He grew up idolizing Cal Ripken Jr., and maybe he could play shortstop for the O's. The ballpark isn't a bad place to hit, either. But they're a perennial loser, and Rodriguez may not want to return to the second division.

4. Cubs. They have the money, and maybe if they hire Piniella (reportedly he's one of three or four top candidates), he'd consider it. Winning on the North Side of Chicago would be magical, but it's obviously proven difficult.