SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are contemplating offering Alex Rodriguez a 5-6 year extension at $30M per year, in an attempt to keep him from opting out of the remaining 3 years (at $90M; partially paid by the Texas Rangers) on his contract. It would keep him to age 40 or 41. Heyman also mentions the Cubs as a possible suitor, if Rodriguez opts out, likely only because of the Cubs' revenues and not because they would actually go after him. And for that amount of money and for that long, he can stay in New York.

The Sun Times Chris De Luca seems to think so.

http://tinyurl.com/2pg4s6

Newsday reported yesterday, in a report picked up by the AP and discussed by Bronx Banter, that the "Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of [Gary] Sheffield" should the Yankees pick up his $13M option for 2007 by midnight on Sunday in order to trade him. Sheffield would presumably man one of the corner outfield sports for the Cubs, perhaps setting up a Jacque Jones / Matt Murton platoon in the other spot. The Yankees are "willing to accept a package of prospects, bullpen help or a starting pitcher," reports Newsday. The Cubs certainly have a few young starting pitchers they would likely be willing to trade for immediate help. If Sheffield comes, he'll want an extension.