SOURCE: www.dailynews.com

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That means Rodriguez will walk away from a guaranteed $72 million. He had three years remaining on a record-breaking 10-year, $252 million deal Rodriguez signed with the Texas Rangers before the 2001 season.

According to reports, Major League Baseball on Monday received the letter that officially requested Rodriguez's release from the deal. The opt-out clause was written into the contract.

The Angels have made it no secret that they are interested in upgrading their offensive attack. But as dominating as he can be, Rodriguez might not fit into their plans.

Angels owner Arte Moreno has repeatedly said that even though he respects Rodriguez as a player, he has no interest in placing 25 percent of the team's payroll in the hands of one player. Indications are that Rodriguez could be seeking anywhere from $200 million to $240 million over eight seasons.

Asked about Rodriguez at the conclusion of the season, manager Mike Scioscia did not sound as if he is expecting to pencil Rodriguez's name in the 2008 lineup.

"I would speak to what Arte said, and I agree to what he says," new Angels general manager Tony Reagins said.

"You want to position yourself to make your club better. For the club and the fans, if it makes sense then you will explore the opportunity."

This might not make sense, though.

"Obviously we will do things within reason," Reagins said, declining to speak about Rodriguez in particular.

"There is not an endless bank here. It has to make economic sense and it has to make baseball sense."

According reports, the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants are expected to be interested in Rodriguez along with the Angels and Dodgers.

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