A-ROD WALKS AWAY (with Hal’s persuasion)

Today, the NY Yankees and Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) held a press conference to announce that A-Rod will play his last game in less than a week - on August 12.  They agreed on that date (as opposed to today) so A-Rod could have his family, friends, and members from his main charity group in attendance to see his last at-bats.

A-Rod mentioned that it was Hal Steinbrenner who approached him a few days ago suggesting such an arrangement.  Amongst his Advisor role in the United States, he will also “Advise” in the Dominican Republic.  All Yankees’ fans should be relieved that it was not Hank Steinbrenner who met with A-Rod because the last major conversation they had resulted in A-Rod’s current and ridiculous contract!  All fans should also be appreciative that Hal was the aggressor, reaching out to A-Rod because Hal showed that he’s listening to the fans’ rightful opinions which are backed up factually by A-Rod’s latest failing offensive numbers and his inability to play defense. 

With all of A-Rod’s steroid usage, along with his denial and lying about it, I have accepted that he certainly wasn’t (isn’t) the only one, not that such a thought makes it right; but, it does lessen the year-after-year sole focus on him by the media and the A-Rod-haters.  At least on the surface, A-Rod has really tried to play and act like he should have previously.

There is no denying that the man totally loves baseball and knows the intricacies and history of it better than most.  Many fans, media, and baseball professionals witnessed it in last year’s postseason when A-Rod performed commentary and provided more foresight than any of the veteran commentators.  Additionally, a lot of the rookies (currently and in the past) have praised A-Rod’s advice and inspiration.  Even Joe Girardi harped on that, and shared some of those stories during today’s press conference.

I am certainly appreciative of the positive things A-Rod’s done and for his contributions towards helping the Yankees win the 2009 World Series; but, I am and always will be disappointed in his wrongful acts and remarks of the past.  With that, for the future, I have seen and heard enough to know that A-Rod will definitely contribute towards the development of many, many young players in the Yankees’ organization.  He will already demonstrate his assistance towards the prospects when #13 vacates a roster spot appropriately on August 13th.