Birthday boy A-Rod faces an unclear future
HOUSTON — The birthday boy said all the right things Wednesday. He has thrived at that part of his job for a while now.
“Not a lot of 41-year-olds get to wear a baseball uniform every day,” Alex Rodriguez said, on his 41st birthday, before the Yankees fell short of a series sweep here at Minute Maid Park, dropping a 4-1 decision to the Astros. “… I definitely feel grateful for health, family, friends and just the opportunity to wear pinstripes.”
Then, the comic kicker: “I’m representing all of the senior citizens out there.”
As you know, much of his representation comes from the bench nowadays, as he has not been able to put together any sort of run this season. He has started seven of the Yankees’ first 13 games since the All-Star break and slashed .087/ .222/.217 in 27 plate appearances, giving him an overall line of .206/.256/ .364.
“Last year was a magical season,” Rod said. “I threw a team party in Texas [on his birthday]. The whole team was there. I hit a home run. But eevery year is different. Every yyear has different challenges.”
Because of the challenges he ccurrently faces, it’s fair to ask a forward-looking question: Where will A-Rod be for his 442nd birthday? All we know for certain is he’ll be drawing a $21 million salary, paid either entirely oor mostly by the Yankees. His performance this year places everything else in question.
So let’s lay odds on the possibilties, from most to least likely:
1. FOX Sports (5-1).
A-Rod carved out a realistic post-playing option last fall when, upon the Yankees going one and done in the playoffs, he joined the FOX booth and impressed critics with his onair poise and knowledge of the ggame. You’d think that a return gig is his for the taking whenever he wants it.
2. Yankees (8-1).
If the Yankees keep winning through Monday’s non-waivers trade deadline, then they must face a tough reality: Their best shot to maintain that strong play in August is without A-Rod on their roster. They’d be better off utilizing that spot on another pitcher whose presence would allow Masahiro Tanaka to start regularly on five days’ rest, or on a versatile posi- tion player.
If the Yankees really won’t release him this season, as they’re indicating, could A-Rod conveniently suffer an injury for the month of August and then rejoin the team in September, when the roster expands to 40? That would buy everyone time, and the Yankees could think harder and longer about this issue over the winter and perhaps bring A-Rod into spring training next year for one last chance before cutting the cord.
“I started the season last year on fire,” A-Rod said Wednesday, “and hopefully, I can finish the season on fire. Just reverse it.” Stranger things have happened, even just talking about A-Rod, and Hal Steinbrenner’s clear preference is to retain his longtime player. But man, Rodriguez has exhibited so few signs of life in the last year.
3. A Silicon Valley/Wall Street bicoastal existence (10-1).
A-Rod has long been preparing for life after baseball, ingratiating himself into the business world. He has more finance connections than home runs. And his girlfriend, Anne Wojcicki, is the CEO of genetic research firm 23AndMe in Mountain View, Calif.
4. Marlins (15-1).
Right city, wrong league, yet Miami owner Jeffrey Loria, an art dealer, likes to paint outside the lines. Hey, Rusty Staub played 54 games for the 1985 Mets and didn’t start any of them. A-Rod could at least start the games in American League cities as designated hitter. And the fans love him in South Florida.
5. White Sox (20-1).
A-Rod has an excellent relationship with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
6. A’s (25-1).
They employed Frank Thomas and Manny Ramirez (in the minors) late in their careers, and they’re close to Silicon Valley.
7. Rays (30-1).
The small-market guys are always up for anything. However, would Tampa resident Derek Jeter summon Walter White from “Breaking Bad” and bellow, “Stay out of my territory!” to his longtime frenemy?
8. Major League Baseball (100,000-1).
A-Rod for commissioner? Now that would be a birthday wish for all of us.