MLB Star Alex Rodriguez, after being booed by New York Yankees fans, turned April into A-Rod Month

It's been crazy in the Bronx lately.

Yep, and it's not because of another Derek Jeter – Alex Rodriguez lovers' quarrel. You see, after an offseason of speculation regarding A-Rod's future with the New York Yankees, the guy is playing like crazy lately, ultimately putting the controversies surrounding him, Jeter and the Yankees organization to rest... FOR NOW anyway.

Baseballs are just flying away from A-Rod's bat, lifting the New York Yankees to a handful of come-from-behind wins. And to think they almost let this guy go huh?

That thought, the possibility that Rodriguez will opt out of his contract and become a free agent after the 2007 MLB baseball season, hovers over the Yankees. Rodriguez has said that he wants to finish his career in New York, but Scott Boras, his agent, did not negotiate an escape clause simply to make a 10-year, $252 million deal sweeter. It is there to be used, not ignored.

When A-Rod started sending fast balls away from the park, he just gave himself a little more leverage in what is already a one-sided situation. Rodriguez, not the Yankees, controls where he will play next season.

Maybe that is why Alex Rodriguez is playing the way he's playing these days. The guy is finally relaxed. For once, Rodriguez is at peace. For how long? THAT also depends on him.

''I just wanted to come back and enjoy myself, regardless of what happens,'' Alex Rodriguez said. ''Just enjoy it as much as I can.''

New York Yankees manager Joe Torre called Rodriguez's presence ''scary'' while Johnny Damon referred to Rodriguez as the ''new Alex.'' But Brian Bruney, a reliever who makes $395,545, offered Rodriguez a bottom-line appraisal.

''I told him if he opted out of his contract, he could sign a billion-dollar contract right now,'' Bruney said. Yep, maybe that's what A-Rod needed to hear.

Can Alex Rodriguez lead the New York Yankees to win the 2007 MLB World Series? Who will win the 2007 MLB World Series Championship? Bodog has the odds.

New York Yankees 7/2

Boston Red Sox 9/1

Detroit Tigers 5/1

St. Louis Cardinals 9/1

Want more odds? Visit OddsHQ for more MLB baseball odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez