Enough of Alex Rodriguez?
No reasonable Yankees fan could disagree with the selloff that’s finally brought the George Steinbrenner era to a close. The next two months could be ugly and attendance is likely to take a short-term dive, but it’s worth the pain. This makeover is long overdue, and general manager Brian Cashman deserves credit for convincing Steinbrenner’s heirs just how outdated their business model has been. But the GM’s work is not done. If the Yankees are truly ready to embrace the future, they need to trade not only Brian McCann, but they also need to say goodbye to Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, too. Release them both. Make a statement. It’s pointless to waste a roster spot on players who have no role in the rebuilding ahead.
This is an easy call on Teixeira; his contract expires after 2016, which means he’s already at the finish line in pinstripes. The first baseman was one of the central figures in the 2009 championship and has otherwise enjoyed a pro- ductive career. Teixeira still has some defensive skills and can still pop the occasional home run. But there’s no compelling reason to give him any more at-bats.
A-Rod’s situation is complicated by the $21 million owed to him next year, but the Yankees should consider it a sunk cost. They aren’t getting that money back, regardless if A-Rod spends another summer getting crushed by fastballs or has already begun his retirement. The Bombers might as well pick Door No. 2.
This is no insult toward Rodri- guez, who has been a model citizen since his one-year suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. But that doesn’t change how quickly and dramatically his skills have regressed. Rodriguez is chasing more pitches out of the strike zone and making less contact. There’s a simple explanation: A-Rod, fully aware he can’t catch up to elite fastballs anymore, is panicking at the plate. He’s guessing, and often guessing wrong.
Again: There’s no shame in any of this. Rodriguez is 41 and has lasted longer than most major leaguers. But he has no business being on the roster any longer, even with home run No. 700 just around the corner. It’s a joyless pursuit, like a broken-down race car, out of fuel, staggering to the checkered flag.
This is the Yankees’ chance to prove they’ve moved on and that it’s time to prepare for a generation of exciting young players who’ll soon be in the Bronx. Most fans are in favor of this new ethos and have wondered why it took so long for the Steinbrenner family to buy into it.
The Yankees have barely moved forward since 2013, winning in the mid-80s every year. They’ve grown stale and unwatchable. Club officials were worried that a sell-off would hurt attendance and TV ratings, but who would’ve paid to watch that embarrassing sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays last weekend?
There’ll be four interesting games this week against the Mets. No doubt fewer fans will show up in mid-to-late August. But the September call-ups will at least give fans a glimpse of what’s ahead. Thanks to the deals for Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees now have seven top 100 prospects — a stunning turnaround for an organization that spent too long and wasted too much money perpetuating The Boss’ algorithm.
Cashman said, “The chessboard is a lot different in how you can access talent.” You can’t just buy talent, you can’t just throw money at late-prime free agents. Nearly every team that succeeds now endures a shedding cycle, even if it means a down year or two or even three. The Yankees might not have to wait that long, but even if they do, the franchise is moving in the right direction.
That’s why it’s imperative that A-Rod be given his release. It won’t be cheap, of course. He’ll likely ask for 100 cents on the dollar for his remaining salaries.
Rodriguez is entitled to it; the money is his. But anyone who saw him strike out four times Saturday at Tropicana Field — and once more Sunday — understands a release would be an act of mercy. The slugger is only embarrassing himself at this point.
There’s no reason to pity Rodriguez. He has had a unique career, despite his mistakes, and will be remembered for the way he owned up to his mistakes.
Rodriguez’s humility and selfdeprecating humor will make him a terrific TV analyst, if that’s what he chooses to do.
Whatever option is next, playing for the Yankees shouldn’t be one of them. A-Rod has to go. It’s time to end this marriage.