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February 11, 2007
Something For Everybody
From Mike Lupica today -
Sometimes it seems as if there are three baseball teams in New York requiring full-time coverage, the Yankees, the Mets, and Alex Rodriguez.
This isn't about his talent, or the numbers he produces even in what is an off year for him. This isn't about the numbers he is eventually going to produce if he stays healthy, and that includes home run numbers that might someday surpass the great Henry Aaron and Barry Bonds.
It is about the maintenance.
By now there is no question that this guy isn't just the highest-paid superstar in baseball history or Yankee history. He is the highest-maintenance. Amazingly, that doesn't change for the real Alex when he is out selling what is supposed to be a heartwarming children's book about a little ballplayer named, well, Alex. Sort of a partially made-up Alex. Sometimes it seems the real Alex is partially made-up, too, but that's another story for another day.
From CSTV.com -
It's a good thing Derek Jeter isn't attending tonight's game, because his "buddy" Alex Rodriguez has dropped in to catch a ball game.
Had Arod decided not to become a major leaguer out of high school, he would have been a Miami Hurricane. So he made it up to UM by donating over $4 million for renovations of Mark Light Field.
By next year, we'll be watching Canes game at Alex Rodriguez Park.
Rodriguez and UM Pitching Coach J.D. Arteaga have been good friends since childhood, and as I visited the UM dugout about an hour ago, Arod and Arteaga were having a pregame chat. Rodriguez usually keeps a low profile around here (he was at last night's game apparently and nobody told me!), so I wasn't able to speak to him. If only he knew my Bar Mitzvah theme was the New York Yankees. He probably would have made some time for me.
From the Post -
The young Little League pitcher who captured a town's heart after he was almost killed by a line drive returned home yesterday to a major-league welcome.
Nearly 35 family and friends cheered 13-year-old Steven Domalewski's triumphant return to his suburban Wayne, N.J., home after eight months in the hospital.
The tragedy of his plight and his remarkable recovery won him fans, not the least of whom was Steven's favorite ballplayer, the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, who called him at the hospital and wore a bracelet in the playoffs bearing the boy's team colors.
From the San Francisco Chronicle -
Simply put, the mighty Yanks have no chance to end their world-championship drought -- six years and counting -- because they're stuck with the most talented player in the game.
If the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez had any collective sense, he'd be reporting to spring camp with the Angels later this month, if not the Cubs or Dodgers. He'd be starting fresh with a reputable organization, free of Bronx oppression, while a very relieved group of Yankees savored a renewed sense of purpose.
Instead, everyone's lying. A-Rod says he's happy in New York, which is just preposterous. He says he has no problem with teammate Derek Jeter, when everyone in town knows they despise each other. Manager Joe Torre, Yankee management and Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, claim that everything will work out just fine.
It's funny how these things work. In some towns, it's OK to be a phony. As long as you put up the numbers and stay out of trouble, there is a long rope of forgiveness. Not so in New York. You'll get respect for honesty, a sincere apology, a comeback from drug or alcohol addiction -- as long as you put it up front. A-Rod just floats around in his own wonderful world, deeply sensitive but outwardly oblivious to the acrimony that follows him around.
Hey, these are the stories in the news today. I hope one of them floats your boat. Enjoy.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at February 11, 2007 08:51 AM
Comments
Steve, is this your subtle way of saying:
"See! See what a distraction this guy is; get him the hell out of the Bronx!"
I will be the happiest fan in the world if the Yanks win the WS this season with Alex as a significant contributor. Bowls and bowls of crow will then be served all over the nation. Call it a lofty wish, but if it happens...
Posted by: bloodyank78 ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 11, 2007 03:01 PM
Nope. I'm just saying here's some stories on A-Rod, which is basically the only Yankees news these days - some good, some bad.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at February 11, 2007 03:20 PM
Posada and Mariano have contract issues coming up.
Bernie might not be coming back - he has been with the team 16/17 years, has 4 rings and had a tumultuous beginning as a Yankee in terms of teammate treatment.
New influx of youth, and possible emergence of Phillip Hughes.
Will Giambi's body break down again
AROD basically, is not the only Yankees news these days.
Posted by: Tarnished at February 11, 2007 05:25 PM
Tell it to all the online news search engines Tarnished. When I search for stories under "Yankees," I see A-Rod, A-Rod, and more A-Rod.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at February 11, 2007 10:21 PM