Results tagged ‘ A-Rod ’
A-Rod Is Yesterday’s News…
The A-Rod Story Continues
As if we haven’t dealt with enough about Alex Rodriguez, the latest news is that he has a torn labrum in his hip. The Yankees have indicated that he will attempt to play this offseason with rest and rehabilitation. If that’s unsuccessful and surgery becomes necessary now rather than at the end of the season, he’ll miss at least four months.
Ken Rosenthal, senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com is predicting that this could be the beginning of A-Rod’s breakdown and the Yanks are obviously on the hook for the remainder of his 10-year, $275 million contract which runs through 2017.
Many people have drawn a parallel between A-Rod and Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell regarding the torn labrum. Lowell attempted to play out last season with the same injury before the pain became too unbearable. “I don’t want to play like I did the last two months,” Lowell said. “That’s not really playing. I was so focused on something else besides playing. It sucked the joy out of it for a little while. We were winning and everything, so that’s fine. But you want to feel like you have all your abilities in place.” And that’s coming from someone who didn’t have to deal with the ramifications of admitted steroids use, an affair with Madonna, and an inability to tell a consistent story.
I do not think A-Rod’s psyche is strong enough to endure the multiple distractions, and he’d be better served by pursuing the surgery now rather than later. But then again, I am guessing that Brian Cashman feels that he can find someone capable of replacing A-Rod’s October production should the Yanks make the play-offs (that would just be the ability to go 0-for-5, with a bases-loaded game-ending strikeout in a pivotal play-off game, right?).
As for replacements, I am obviously not enamored with the thought of either Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa filling in at third. The Yankees would be better served by seeking a quality replacement. Even if A-Rod attempts to play, having a strong Plan B in place would help give him more periods of rest throughout the course of the season.
All things considered, I am not that disappointed at the prospect of losing Rodriguez for the season. After the ordeal of the past few months, a season with no A-Rod is sounding very appealing. Of course, there’s a hole at third, but I don’t think the Yankees necessarily need a superstar to fill the void. A capable performer with decent defensive skills would fit nicely. A lot of names have been tossed around by the media, and I would gladly consider someone like the Dodgers’ Blake DeWitt (as suggested by SI’s Jon Heyman).
Ric Francis/AP
The Great Showdown
As you may have read on Julia’s Rants, the “Great Showdown” is coming to Fenway Park next month. Julia and I have made a bet regarding who will win the Yankees-Red Sox series to be played April 24th, 25th, and 26th. It goes without question which team I am pulling for. Of course, if the Yankees lose, author Jane Heller will take away my Yankees fan membership for jinxing the team. It’s probably not a good sign that I was pulling for Dean Martin in the 1973 movie “Showdown” with Rock Hudson. Nevertheless, I am moving forward with the duel against Julia.
I agree with Julia on a number of things:
She’s a fan of the great Toby Keith…
She likes the music of Kenny Chesney…
The City of Boston is very beautiful…
Anything Irish is great…
She shares a great passion for football, and we’ve both been fans of Randy Moss (albeit at different points of his career)…
She loves hockey…
But I draw the line at two things…Pink Hats and the Red Sox!
AP
Odds & Ends
Kudos to the Dallas Cowboys for finally taking a stand against players of questionable character. After years of letting performance take precedence over character, I am glad to see that Jerry Jones has boldly released WR Terrell Owens and S Roy Williams. Say what you will about the Arizona Cardinals, but owner Bill Bidwell has generally drafted based on character and is not shy about cutting loose a mistake regardless of talent. Their approach resulted in a Super Bowl appearance this year. As much as my favorite team, the Vikings, need a wide receiver, there is absolutely no way that I’d ever condone the signing of Owens. I want to experience what a Super Bowl championship would feel like, but not like that…
I was sad to see that it’s “Sun-down” in Phoenix. There had been hope that Amare Stoudemire would be able to recover from surgery to repair a torn retina in time to return for the play-offs if the Suns make it. However, that possibility has been ruled out by his doctor, who indicated that the healing is excruciatingly slow and delicate. It doesn’t look like Shaq will get a chance for another ring.
NBAE/Getty Images
Happily, it’s Friday night! It’s great that the weekend has arrived, but we do lose an hour on Sunday morning at 2 am due to daylight savings time. I guess it puts me one hour closer to the duel…
The Man-Ram Negotiations…
Longest Records
Gunsmoke holds the record for the longest running TV Series. It aired on CBS for 20 years, from 1955 to 1975…
The Simpsons, which debuted in 1990, is the longest running animated series. It was recently renewed for at least two more seasons which will make it the longest running TV Series…
The longest running TV Show is Meet The Press, which went on the air November 6, 1947…
The longest running marathon is the Boston Marathon, which has been run for 112 years…
AP
The longest running Broadway Show is The Phantom of the Opera, which opened January 26, 1988…
The longest recorded duration for balancing on one foot is 76 hours and 40 minutes. This was accomplished by Arulanantham Suresh Joachim at Vihara Maha Devi Park Open Air Stadium in Sri Lanka from May 22, 1997 to May 25, 1997…
On a related note, Manny Ramirez has finally re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers…
The deal is at $45 million for two years. Manny will get $25 million for the 2009 season and has until November to decide whether to void the second season, which calls for $20 million. There is some deferred money involved despite Scott Boras’ reluctance to accept same. The deal also includes a full no-trade provision.
This ordeal might have been just as excrutiating as long season’s debacle with the Packers and Brett Favre.
But at least it’s done, and Manny can take his bat and dreadlocks to Arizona. But considering that Derek Lowe is in Atlanta, Brad Penny is in Boston and Clayton Kershaw is not quite ready to reach for his potential, Manny should have the month of October off to contemplate his future…
A-Rod, Repeat After Me, “No Comment”…
According to MLB.com, Alex Rodriguez was reaping praise about the New York Mets’ very talented shortstop Jose Reyes, and he made a comment that he wished Reyes was on the Yankees. Of course, the comment slams not just one but two players…shortstop Derek Jeter and leadoff hitter Johnny Damon.
After weeks of listening to Alex say the wrong things, maybe he should consider saying nothing…
Where is Agent Smith when you need him? 
Then again, you can’t always believe what Alex says…
Coke, It’s The Real Thing…
After watching Phil Coke pitch this spring, I am very impressed. His fastball is only 92 to 94 MPH, however, it looks faster…deceptively faster.
It definitely makes me appreciate that he was not included in the Pirates trade that brought Xavier Nady to the Yankees.
I am looking forward to watching Coke out of the bullpen for the entire season this year. I am with the majority that believes the Yankee bullpen will be very solid this year (with or without Joba Chamberlain serving in a setup role).
I suspect that Joe Girardi will be reaching for a Coke quite often this season…
But I Didn’t Inhale…
Dumbest Play of the Week
I should have learned by now…
Alex Rodriguez does something wrong, we condemn him for his actions, but then are ready to accept him again very quickly for what he means to the team (in terms of baseball performance). Yesterday, for example, I found it very positive that the boos slowly turned to cheers in the Yankees’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was refreshing to see Alex hit the tie-breaking home run.
All is good in the world…
And then Alex drives away from Dunedin Stadium with his cousin, Yuri Sucart…
How stupid is that? I guess Victor Conte and Greg Anderson were unavailable to ride with Alex…
The One Man Show
Watching the ESPN highlights of the Yankees game against the Blue Jays, I couldn’t help but notice that Alex was apparently the only Yankee who played the game. The box score had other names, but the highlight reel seemed to show that the game was played by one guy. I guess he fielded all positions and pitched. He changed the names of his alter egos to protect the “guilty”…
Lost among the A-Rod Show was that Brett Gardner hit a home run, That’s something we may not see again in 2009. Here was a golden opportunity to show something that happens once in a lifetime, and ESPN chose to show about 25 different angles of A-Rod hitting his fourth inning home run.
Barton Silverman/The New York Times
Manny, it’s only money…
I think the Dodgers latest offer (2 years for $45 million) is very generous. The latest offer differs from the original $45 million offer in November in that $25 million would be paid the first year with $20 million player-option for the second year. It gives Manny some time to see if the market improves next fall and puts more distance between him and his ugly departure from Boston. C’mon Manny, when is too much money not enough? It’s not like the Giants are knocking on the door with $100 million…
Prediction for Julia…
Friday, April 24, 2009: Yankees 7, Red Sox 4
Saturday, April 25, 2009: Yankees 12, Red Sox 1
Sunday, April 26, 2009: Yankees 9, Red Sox 3
Ah, life is enjoyable as Yankee fan…
Seriously, spring training and exhibition games are a great time of year. It doesn’t matter if the Yankees lose and the Red Sox win…uh, on second thought, what am I saying? Yes it does! Go Yankees!
By the way, if the Red Sox beat a college team but lose to a major league club, does that make their record 1/2-1 1/2?
I know, that’s mean. I guess I have this old-recycled photo coming for making anti-Red Sox comments…
The Yankees Win!…
The Undefeated New York Yankees!
Okay, it’s just the first exhibition game of the season. It is also a time when pitchers are still way ahead of the hitters. But it is great to see the Yankees start the year on the right foot. In the grand scheme of things, it means absolutely nothing but given the adversity of the past month, anything positive is a good thing.
The Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-1 in Dunedin, FL. The highlight of the game was a tie-breaking two-run homer by Alex Rodriguez in the fourth inning. Although the game started with the much anticipated chorus of boos, A-Rod had begun to receive applause by his third plate appearance. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. Well, maybe anywhere except Fenway Park…
Chris O’Meara/AP
Brett Tomko started and pitched two innings of scoreless, one-hit ball. Jose Veras, the winner, pitched the third inning, giving up one run, with two strikeouts. Brett Gardner, locked in a center field battle with Melky Cabrera, also homered.
The Pitching Rotation
It appears that Joe Girardi has set his pitching rotation as CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Joba Chamberlain, respectively. That order makes the most sense. The change of pace with Wang between Sabathia and Burnett is a good idea, and I like Burnett followed by Pettitte. Girardi expects about 30 starts from Joba Chamberlain (barring injury, of course).
Number Change
I sure am glad that Melky Cabrera changed his number from 28 to 53. I kept wondering what the heck was Bob Watson doing in the outfield. Isn’t he too old to play ball? Meanwhile, Brett Tomko, who was wearing Bobby Abreu’s old number, switched to 28.
Former Yankee first baseman…and Number 28…
Manny and the Dodgers
It sounds like activity is starting to pick up between the Dodgers and agent Scott Boras. Hopefully, this means that Manny will be back in blue by the end of the week. This has been a long, drawn out story that needs to end…
Say what you will about Manny, and while I agree that his behavior in Boston toward the end was about as bad as it gets, he remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball. As an opponent, I always hated it when Manny came up in a clutch situation because he, unlike A-Rod, consistently delivered.
Reuters Pictures
Salary Cap Implications
I am not a proponent of a salary cap. The Yankees have an advantage of being in a major market, but they contribute more to Major League Baseball than any other team through luxury taxes and revenue sharing. The team with the highest payroll is not guaranteed a spot in the World Series, and the Yankees haven’t won since 2000. Watching the NFL, it is painful to see the careers of Derrick Brooks and Marvin Harrison abruptly come to an end with their original teams because of salary. Both have factored very heavily in the recent successes of their respective teams, and have made their mark in their teams’ record books. Earlier, the Jaguars cut loose Fred Taylor, and the Jets will soon release Laveranues Coles. Granted, there comes a point where performance doesn’t justify pay, and teams are smart to sever ties. But the NFL’s Salary Cap adds pressure to make these decisions sooner rather than later. As a Vikings fan, I am glad that Randall McDaniel made the Hall of Fame. But I will forever have the painful memory of watching him play his final years in a Buccaneers uniform. I realize that football and baseball are businesses, but we, as fans, deserve to cheer our heroes to the end so long as they are still performing at a top level. At times, football can feel like fantasy sports in a non-keeper league. You have to re-select your team every year…
When Does the WBC Start? Not Soon Enough…
A-Rod – What else are we going to talk about?
I found it somewhat humorous Alex Rodriguez said that he will be under intense scrutiny for “the next 18 months to 24 months”. Interesting how one can predict the exact time frame involved in the ‘post-confession’ period. Does that mean we are guaranteed of no reference to A-Rod in March 2011? Looking forward to it!
Personally, I don’t blame Alex for not wanting to talk about his past drug use following the press conference earlier in the week. If he talked, he’d run the risk of contradicting his previous comments…
Wallace Matthews of Newsday wrote a great piece today about how GM Brian Cashman wanted to ‘move on’ when A-Rod opted out of his ‘drug-induced’ $250 million contract in 2007. Cashman’s position has gone largely unnoticed until now, but he could have saved the organization from much embarrassment. A-Rod’s return only came about when A-Rod bypassed agent Scott Boras and dealt with the Yankees and Hank Steinbrenner directly.
Credit: Altaffer/AP
It should come as a welcome relief when A-Rod joins the Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic team early next month. Egads! The reporters in Yankees camp will have only baseball to talk about! Of course, there might be mention of the scandalous time that Mark Teixeira took a couple of Advil for a post-game headache…
More Yankees in the Headlines?
I have to admit that I was startled for a moment when I saw the headline about the frozen assets belonging to Johnny Damon and Xavier Nady. Of course, it is clear that they are innocent victims. The government’s freeze of a company affiliated with Robert Allen Stanford impacted accounts owned by Damon and Nady.
Neither Damon nor Nady invested directly with Stanford funds but rather they invested through broker dealers whose accounts were with a Stanford company.
It was reported that Damon complained of being unable to pay his bills and Nady could not put down a deposit on a New York apartment. I find it surprising that both would wrap up their assets through a single source. I guess diversification is not something they are concerned with. I also find it interesting that both players are represented by agent Scott Boras. Thanks for the sound financial advice, Scott! And, oh by the way, Jason Varitek sends his love!
Credit: Branimir Kvartuo/AP
The Return of Bernabe Figueroa Williams
Enjoy camp for a few days, Bernie, but don’t get used to it!
I have to admit that it was both strange and exciting to see Bernie Williams wearing Yankee gear with number 51 on his back. However, that does not mean I would want to see him make a comeback with the team. At this point, I’d clearly prefer Nick Swisher over Bernie. I thought Bernie was a great Yankee but time has moved on.
Credit: Antonelli/New York Daily News
Then again, Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer won a world championship at age 45, winning 16 games in 2008. But c’mon, this guy just doesn’t age…
Bernie had begun a significant decline by 2006, and there is no chance that future years will be any better. He played more and better than expected in 2006, but it was time to turn the page. His presence on the roster would potentially prevent the presence of a younger player with more potential.
Upon completion of the WBC, Bernie should focus on his musical career. His latest CD, Moving Forward, is scheduled for release on April 14, 2009. The CD includes a special live performance with Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa.
Young and stupid, or so the story goes…
A-ROD PRESS CONFERENCE
“I knew we weren’t taking Tic Tacs”…
Alejandra Villa Newsday
Facing the media in Tampa, Alex Rodriguez admitted that his cousin had introduced him to “boli” under the presumption that it was an over-the-counter substance in the Dominican Republic. The cousin injected Alex with the substance about two times per month on six-month cycles to help him get an energy boost. These cycles were administered from 2001 through 2003 while Alex was a member of the Texas Rangers.
Alex insists that he stopped taking the drug in 2003 and has not taken it since that time.
He opened the press conference with a prepared statement, in which he thanked the Yankees and the fans for their support. The press conference lasted 32 minutes, and was attended by GM Brian Cashman, Manager Joe Girardi, Co-Chairman Hank Steinbrenner, and SVP Felix Lopez, as well as players Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte.
Is this enough? Time will tell. I agree with the comments made by David Ortiz that any player, going forward, who tests positive for PEDs should be banned for one year. That obviously does not apply to Alex Rodriguez and his situation, but the incident occurred six years ago. Major League Baseball is directly responsible for lagging behind the other major sports in implementing and enforcing a strict drug policy. I don’t feel the same way about A-Rod that I did prior to the PEDs revelation, however, he does deserve the opportunity to regain our trust.
“I know that I am in a position where I have to earn my trust back,” Alex said. “And over time, I am confident, and at the end of my career, people will see this for what it is – a stupid mistake and a lesson learned for a guy with a lot of baseball left to play.”
If Alex can stay true to these words, I do feel that he can salvage some of his credibility and gain entry into the Hall of Fame when the time comes (contrary to what Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer may believe). Being “stupid” is no longer a tolerable excuse, Alex. You have to prove to us that you belong…
MARK TEIXEIRA PRESS CONFERENCE
Meanwhile, in Monday’s press conference with Mark Teixeira…
“I watch ‘Sesame Street’ in the morning,” Teixeira said. “And then I watch ‘Max & Ruby’ at night.”
What? He should be BANNED from baseball for a year!
Seriously, we moved from the Rock Star at First Base…
…to Mr. Rogers in the span of one year.
Well, at least Mr. Rogers can hit…
Ladies and Gentlemen, Here’s A-Rod!…
The A-Rod Drama Continues…
Tuesday, Alex Rodriguez will face the media as he reports to Tampa to take his physical. Joe Girardi, and inner-core Yankees like Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter plan to be there for support. But the support does feel somewhat disingenuous, as some Yankees have privately conveyed that they have no choice but to support A-Rod as teammates. I agree with the need to support your fellow teammates, but not to the point that you compromise your own integrity. As kids, we were told if you had something bad to say, don’t say anything at all. If Pettitte, Posada or Jeter do not, in their hearts, support A-Rod, then I feel that they should not be present at the press conference.
Paul Sancya AP
When Pettitte faced the media during camp last year, you heard many statements about how much everyone cared about Andy. The same tone is not present in the comments about A-Rod.
Reading that Alex had called SI reporter Selena Roberts to apologize for comments he made during his ESPN interview, it is ironic that he’s had to apologize for his apology. If the ESPN interview was controlled, it will be interesting to see how A-Rod reacts to a blitz of questions by multiple reporters. There is no doubt that every response will be dissected, and any irregularities will be singled out and over-analyzed in subsequent news articles throughout the week.
The sad part is that the A-Rod drama will continue into the season despite everyone’s desire to move forward. Selena Roberts’ book, “A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez”, will be released two days prior to the opening game for the new Yankee Stadium. So, at a time we should be celebrating the opening pitch by, most likely, CC Sabathia, we’ll still be talking about A-Rod.
I don’t think anyone truly believes that Alex left his PEDs in Texas when he made the trip to New York in 2004. But it is imperative that Alex fully responds to each question with total honesty…and he’d better apologize to not only Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks, but to the Steinbrenner family as well. Meanwhile, there will be millions of Yankees fans watching and analyzing the comments made, and wondering if A-Rod is truly worthy of our support…
The return of Oil Can Boyd?
I found it humorous that Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, 49, is seeking a return to Major League Baseball. Sorry, there was only one Satchel Paige. In his final season with the Texas Rangers in 1991, Boyd was 2-7 with a 6.09 ERA. He started 12 games, and pitched 88.7 innings. The subject of Boyd made me curious who he was pitching with that year. The 1991 Ranger pitching staff was led by Kevin Brown, and followed by Nolan Ryan, Jose Guzman, and Bobby Witt. The catcher? 19-year-old Pudge Rodriguez…
Maybe they should create a true “senior’s” league where Boyd and others, like Rickey Henderson, David Wells, and Juan Samuel can continue to live the dream…
Sorry, that would be very painful to watch.
The Lisfranc Injury
I have to admit that before Chien-Ming Wang was hurt last June in Houston, I did not know what the Lisfranc joint was. The Lisfranc joint was named for Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin (d. 1847), a French surgeon and gynecologist. According to eMedicine (
http://emedicine.medscape.com
), the Lisfranc joint, which represents the articulation between the midfoot and forefoot, is composed of the 5 tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. The Lisfranc ligament is attached to the lateral margin of the medial cuneiform and medial and plantar surface of the second metatarsal (MT) base. This is the only ligamentous support between first and second ray at midfoot level. In a note of irony, the doctor who had a part of the foot named after him, was also a pioneer in the removal of the rectum. It helps me to better understand the relationship in the phrase, ‘A kick in the…’ Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Wang seems to be progressing very nicely in recent weeks. While the injury took longer than expected to heal (Wang felt pain as recently as November), there are no signs that he is favoring his right foot. When he reported to Tampa, there was some tightness but that’s subsided. The Yankees have limited Wang’s cardio activity to avoid running. He has preferred the stationary bike to the elliptical trainer. Hopefully, Wang will be ready to go when the Yankees break camp.
Griffey the Brave or Griffey the Mariner
It sounds like it is decision time for Ken Griffey, Jr. By all reports, Griffey has replaced Nick Swisher as the key target for their outfield. The Braves are limited financially (a total compensation package would be no more than $2.5 million), but they offer Griffey the chance to play close to home. His daughter plays AAU Basketball in Georgia, and his son is starting high school football in Florida. The Braves training camp is also only 20 minutes from Griffey’s Orlando home. The Mariners, meanwhile, train in Arizona.
This decision really comes down to family versus playing time. I think the Mariners offer more playing time since Griffey could DH against primarily right-handed hitting when not playing the field. With the Braves, he would be limited to a left-field platoon.
Most players would go where they have the greatest chance to play, but I think Griffey will opt for family and sign with the Braves.
It would have been fun to see Griffey in Seattle again, but he has always placed family first and I don’t expect that to change now.
The Ostrich Farm
Randy Johnson was discussing the difference between training camp with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants. Both teams train in Arizona, but the D-Backs camp is in Tucson, versus Scottsdale for the Giants. I laughed when I saw this quote, because anyone who has lived in Arizona uses the same benchmark to determine how much longer it is to Tucson when driving down from Phoenix: “Not that I had a problem going to Tucson,” he said. “I always knew when I got to that ostrich farm; I had 45 minutes to go”. Unfortunately, there’s not much else in between Phoenix and Tucson except a lot of Saguaro Cacti…
Randy is now able to walk from his home in Paradise Valley to Scottsdale Stadium (home of the Giants), so the ostrich farm will be reserved for those away games in Tucson.
Picacho Peak, in the photo background, is a great hike, by the way…
Got an extra $25,000?
My favorite place to get dessert in New York City is Serendipity 3, which is on 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Manhattan.
My wife wrote this review after a visit: “My husband and I were visiting NY and had to make a visit to this place because we’d heard about the fabulous desserts and because “Serendipity” is one of his favorite movies. The frrrozen hot chocolate does not disappoint and was definitely worth the 1.5 hour wait!! We also had dinner here because we were hungry. The food was just ok and kind of pricey, but the dessert made up for it. I wouldn’t come back here for a meal next time, just dessert. We bought some of the powdered mix to make frrrozen hot chocolate at home. It’s actually not a bad instant mix and tasted good…but of course, it’s much better to have the real drink in person. I found out later that they take reservations so if you don’t want to deal with the long wait, call ahead.”
Serendipity 3 offers the world’s most expensive chocolate sundae (which was introduced in 2007) for the low, low sum of only $25,000. The “Frrozen Haute Chocolate” is made from 28 types of cocoa, 14 of which are the rarest in the world. It is sprinkled with edible 23-karat gold and served in a goblet lined with edible gold. It is topped with whipped cream and a side of LaMadeline au Truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier (sells for $2,600 a pound). It is accompanied by an 18-karat gold, diamond encrusted spoon and 18-karat gold bracelet.
Photo by Chip East/Reuters
Yikes, I think I’ll just have the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for $8.50, please…
Can We Talk About Baseball Yet?…
GLOVES, BATS, BALLS AND STEROIDS…
Unfortunately, it’s not exactly in that order. I was very hurt and disappointed when I first heard about Alex Rodriguez on Saturday and I decided in my mind what he needed to do. But I’ll admit what I expected him to do and what I thought he would do were two entirely different scenarios. I did think that he’d come off smugly, trying to play the cameras. I realize that many are taking issues with the words Alex said during his confession, but from my perspective, he was talking from the heart. I really could not have asked for more. Unlike others, I do not feel that Alex’s achievements should be stricken from the record. There are many others who have cheated and weren’t caught, and the names of the other 103 players from the list of those who tested positive in 2003 are still unknown. There were no penalties for what Alex did in 2001-2003, and assuming that he is telling the truth about no subsequent drug use, he has continued to put up numbers to justify the size of his contract.
I am still very distrustful of Joe Canseco. It does bother me that the entire A-Rod situation has given Canseco more credibility. “I think I have the ear of the nation now,” Canseco said Tuesday. “I think everyone realizes that I have not in any way, shape or form tried to create smoke and mirrors like Major League Baseball has and the players have. I have been excrutiatingly honest about what’s going on in baseball”. Why do I keep getting the visual of Tom Cruise?
I am in full agreement with Lance Berkman’s take on the steroid issue. “Nobody’s going to be believed anymore. I can sit here and crow and say I’ve never done steroids or never done anything illegal from a standpoint of performance enhancing drugs, but who’s going to believe me? The point’s well made, because we’re all guilty by association. One side of me is glad that these guys are getting outed”. Lance, please be sure to tell Miggy hello for me…
Karen Warren Houston Chronicle
Derek Jeter is justifiably ready to talk about baseball and only baseball. As he indicated in Tampa, “I’m not addressing Alex’s situation until everybody’s here. I’ll do it the first day over there” (Steinbrenner Field for the first full squad workout on February 18th). Jeter also stated “If you’ve got baseball questions, I’ll do that…I don’t want to talk to you guys today and tomorrow three more people. It’s better to get everyone together”. DJ, I bet you’re looking forward to giving A-Rod a big hug when you see him, huh?
Lastly, I also agree with Joe Girardi’s take. I think I saw one blog that predicted an 18 HR, 45 BRI season from A-Rod due to the controversy/distraction. But as Joe so aptly put it “I would probably be worried if he had never been through a controversy before…”. Alex will have a rough couple of weeks when he reports to camp, and while he is playing in the WBC, but I think the controversy will die down as the season gets underway and Alex will put up his usual numbers. Joe also lent his support to A-Rod by saying, “I felt he told the truth and we have to move on. It’s going to take some time. It’s going to take some time healing. But we’ll get through this as a team.” As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger”…
David Goldman The New York Times
STANLEY CUP PREVIEW?
A great win by the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. The Boston Bruins were 26-0-2 this season when leading after two periods. With Boston ahead 2-1 after two periods last night, the Sharks scored four unanswered goals in the final period (including three in the span of 6:16 minutes by Patrick Marleau, Milan Michalek and Joe Thornton). Thornton, facing the Bruins for just the second time since the November 2005 trade that brought him to San Jose, said “We just turned it on, and usually when we turn it on, teams can’t handle us”.
AP Photo/Elise Amendola
By the way, a very nice drop pass from Dan Boyle to Michalek who beat Boston goalie Tim Thomas high on the glove side.
The Western Conference leading Sharks, with 81 points, trail the Eastern Conference leading Bruins by four points. Hopefully, these two teams will have the opportunity to meet again for the Stanley Cup championship…
A-Rod admits use of PEDS in pre-Yankee years…
A-Rod speaks…
I have to admit that Alex Rodriguez has done exactly what I expected him to do. Granted, he had plenty of professional and legal advice in the hours leading up to his interview with ESPN, but I feel that he handled the situation in the best possible manner under the circumstances.
He admitted taking a banned substance, was apologetic, and expressed the proper degree of regret and remorse. So long as there are no further disclosures of subsequent drug use, I do feel that A-Rod can slowly begin to rebuild his image and legacy. Sure, he’ll be harassed in opposing cities, and even at home until he slams a few game winning home runs. But clearly, Alex has handled this much better than, say, Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds.
None of us will ever know the pressure that goes with a then-record $252 million contract and an intense desire to not only be among the best but to be the very best. It’s not an excuse to cheat, but it was an era that did not have the necessary controls in place.
Actually, A-Rod may benefit from being the first of 104 players disclosed as testing positive for PEDs in 2003. Right now, the spotlight is clearly on him, but once the other 103 names start to filter out, there will be other surprises and the attention A-Rod is currently receiving will be significantly diluted.
I found it absurd that the New York Daily News would actually suggest that the Yankees should simply drop A-Rod and the “eat” the remainder of the $275 contract. To simply prove a point? That makes absolutely no sense to me. If Alex truly stopped using PEDs after 2003, it means that he has been clean for over five years. There needs to be a statue of limitations for forgiveness.
I was fooled by A-Rod once, but I am willing to give the guy another chance to prove himself. Hopefully, the rest of America will agree. But, Alex, don’t let us down again…
Congratulations to Tiger Woods and family…
Congratulations to Tiger and Elin for the birth of their second child, a son named Charlie Axel Woods. The baby was born Sunday night according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
I liked the ESPN comment that said “Let the records show that Woods now trails Jack Nicklaus by four majors and three offspring”.
Tiger’s daughter, Sam Alexis, was born June 19, 2007.
Hopefully, Tiger will be back in action soon despite the “increased” household…
3 Days to Camp…
Despite the ongoing A-Rod saga and the residual effect of The Yankee Years, I am getting excited about Yankees camp opening this Friday for pitchers and catchers. The first workout is scheduled for Saturday. It is going to be so fantastic to see Yankee-related interviews involving others than just A-Rod, Joe Torre, and Derek Jeter.
What’s the over/under for how long it takes CC Sabathia to take command of the Yankees’ clubhouse? His energy and personality will bring so much to the team, and it will be great to see him prepare for the Yankee Stadium home opener on April 16th. I feel the city of New York will become quickly enamored with CC, and he’ll give DJ a run for his money in terms of popularity. Well, maybe not with the teenage girls, but with the rest of us.
I am feeling pretty good about a sweep of the Boston Red Sox on April 24th through the 26th!
Time to start thinking about something other than PEDs…finally!
Photo Credits:
1. Alex Rodriguez: AP Bill Koutron
2. Tiger & Elin Woods: David Cannon/Getty Images
3. CC Sabathia & A.J. Burnett: AP
In A-Rod We Trust…or Not…
MORE A-ROD THOUGHTS
A day later, I am still stunned by the developments revealed on Saturday regarding Alex Rodriguez and his apparent steroid use in 2003.
The last thing I wanted to see was vindication for Jose Canseco but here it is for him with A-Rod’s name smeared across every sports page in America.
I am troubled that A-Rod knew he had tested positive and he had to have known there was always the possibility the information would be leaked one day (particularly considering the ongoing government investigation and the case against Barry Bonds). He had over five years to think about this day, yet none of A-Rod’s subsequent statements has given any hints of possible drug use.
When the “A-Fraud” comments came out through Joe Torre’s book, The Yankee Years, Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter came to A-Rod’s defense…even Larry Bowa. It will be interesting to see if they are so quick to come to A-Rod’s defense this time.
Alex needs to be honest about his past drug use, giving us some insight into why. An apology for all concerned is expected, and it is up to him to convince us that the drug use did not continue.
The next few days will be very critical for A-Rod, and they will shape the future perception of him. He has a chance to right the “wrong”. Alex, it is up to you…
YANKEES CAMP OPENS ON FRIDAY THE 13TH
On the bright side, Yankees camp open on Friday for pitchers and catchers. It will be great to see CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett arrive in Tampa. The first photo of Sabathia and Burnett together with Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, and Joba Chamberlain will be a classic.
It’s unfortunate that Joe Girardi will be beseiged by A-Rod questions, but hopefully, he’ll have the time to enjoy the presence of the greatest Yankee pitching staff in years.
NO PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT
Andruw Jones is clearly seeking a pressure-free environment. By signing a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, he’ll avoid the media glare that would have accompanied a signing with Boston or New York. But his chances of actually making the team are no less secure.
Andruw is a mystery to me. In 1996, he looked like he was poised for a Hall of Fame career. But by 2008, he looked tired and worn out. He was offered an invitation to go to camp with the Yankees, which he declined. When asked about Boston, he said “it’s too cold”. That sounds like someone who clearly wasn’t up to the task of ‘trying to be the best, with the best’. Good luck in Texas, Andruw…well, at least until you get the pink slip in late March…
ANOTHER QUALITY MOVE BY THE PHILLIES
Good for the Phillies in re-signing arbitration eligible first baseman Ryan Howard to a three-year, $54 million contract. Ryan succeeded in achieving his desired annual salary of $18 million and the Phillies locked up one of their young stars through 2011. It is going to be fun watching the Mets and Phillies slug it out this year…
JANE HELLER, YANKEE FAN EXTRAORDINAIRE
Jane Heller wrote a great article for The New York Times today. When all else fails, visit a psychic! A very funny approach about predicting the Yankees’ 2009 season…
I have started reading my copy of ‘Confessions of a She-Fan’. So far, so good, except for the natural physique reference about A-Rod in the prologue in comparison to “those ‘roid guys with their cartoon muscles…”. Oh well, he fooled all of us. Jane’s book has that great, refreshing ‘we’re right there with you’ feel to it. I am definitely re-living my emotions and feelings about the 2007 Yankees as I read the book…
And for the prediction? I’ll go with Jane’s “Nope, I’m good”…
Fid
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