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When players' union representative Gene Orza got involved in the Alex Rodriguez-Manny Ramirez deal, I knew the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers would have a tough time pulling it off. Orza is an uncompromising proponent of the union. He will not let the total value of any contract take a hit.
I'm sure A-Rod would not mind restructuring his deal and taking a little interest hit while deferring some money. I surely would have paid my way out of last place to play for a title contender (the $100 million and change still on the table would help me cope!). But this would establish a bad precedent for future deals.
In the past, big-name players usually have been generously compensated when traded because they lose the chance to pick teams like free agents. But if A-Rod were dealt and took a pay cut, the tables could be turned. Players could be asked to give back money to play for better teams.
Then what? Other players would get criticized for choosing not to move to better teams for less money.
A star player would be seen as selfish and money hungry for wanting to keep a contract that already had been negotiated! There's enough of that sentiment already directed at today's players.