Crossroads
Alex Rodriguez is at a crossroads. To be sure, he has been at a similar junction numerous times; the sheer length of his career ascertains his position, with his unique skill set and propensity for courting controversy serving as multipliers. Nonetheless, this one looks and feels — and is — markedly different; it may well be the last such fork he sees before hanging up his jersey, and precisely because it’s about hanging up his jersey. Were it up to Rodriguez alone, he would be playing until the end of his contract next year. It isn’t really a matter of money, although the $42 million he stands to make throughout is no doubt a plus. More importantly, it’s about legacy; given the polarizing swath he cuts, he cannot but wish for a grand, or at least a respectable, exit from Major League Baseball.
Unfortunately, Rodriguez’s fate is no longer in his hands. He did make a fine comeback from his historic drug-related suspension, but his inability to sustain his productivity and continuing poor play have reduced him to being a part-time part timer. Not only does he no longer take the field for the Yankees; he has become a designated hitter solely against left-handed pitching.
To Rodriguez’s credit, he’s still plodding on, working as hard as he can to be as good as he can for that one chance to redeem himself. And manager Joe Girardi is game for the moment, noting that he can earn his way back to the regular rotation with his bat. Here’s the flipside, though: No one beats age. Everyone loses against time. Yankees honchos understand this too well, which is why his benching came upon the instigation of general manager Brian Cashman. And the less he plays, the more difficult it will be for him to gear up for the big swing.
At this point, all Rodriguez can do is stay ready and hope for the best. Anything’s possible, and everything’s in play, an apt situation in light of the roller- coaster ride that is his life.
Rodriguez’s fate is no longer in his hands. He did make a fine comeback from his historic drug-related suspension, but his inability to sustain his productivity and continuing poor play have reduced him to being a part-time part timer.