Alex Rodriguez didn’t start Game 3 of the ALCS. It’s something the Yankees have gotten used to.

A-Rod was a subplot during the Orioles series. There was the dropping him in the batting order drama, the pinch-hitting for him, and then: A-Rod, the benching.

Now, there’s the silly story about Rodriguez allegedly trying to flirt with fans during Saturday’s game.

The saddest part is Rodriguez’s sudden decline. At 37, he still has an unbelievable five years and some $115 million left on the foolish deal the Yankees signed him to in 2007..

The Orioles won’t be sad. They’ll be happy to see the Yankees saddled with a useless contract.

New York may try to keep him another year, but with his mediocre stat line this season (18 home runs, 57 RBIs, .272 average), ask yourself: If his name was Joe Smith, could this 37-year old third baseman find a job next season?