Well, this caught me by surprise when I woke up today. I heard there was a press conference called for 11am and sat glued to the TV while A-Rod announced his retirement/release, his new status with the team, his “reporting to Hal,” and his freedom to do whatever he wants after his last game as a player on Friday.
Since Alex has been such a polarizing figure throughout his career, it’s not surprising that today’s announcement has generated such intense discussion on Twitter and Facebook. Some are in the “Good riddance” camp. Others are in the “Oh no” camp. I’m somewhere in the middle.
While I have found his actions to be genuinely despicable over the years, both on and off the field, I can’t seem to summon up the hatred and scorn that many are heaping on him. Maybe it’s because he’s a Yankee and contributed to the team. Maybe it’s because I try to figure out flawed characters rather than condemn them. Maybe it’s because he’s an athlete, not a presidential candidate. Or maybe – just maybe – when he was at his non-cheating best, it’s because he was so gifted.
With today’s announcement, the Yankees not only paid him well and insured that he gets every insane penny owed him, but they managed to release him “with dignity,” free up a roster spot and continue their efforts to rebuild with younger players. A win-win for all concerned.
Now if Cashman would retire, I’d really be happy.
I’m really happy, Jane. A-Rod was a huge cost to our team and they really didn’t get much out of him. I was hoping that after this year his salary would disappear but they still have to pay him next year. Oh well. On the other hand, we do often hear how good a mentor he is to the new kids on the team, so this position might be good for him and The Yankees. They have kept talking about the fact that he wants to be in broadcasting and that he wants to own a team, not manage a team, so he may not stay in that role for very long. Please!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t let him buy The Yankees. This should be a very interesting week – see if they put him at bat most of the games, besides his last on Friday. He’s only 3 runs short of 700 so maybe he’ll help us. GO YANKEES!!! GO AWAY A-ROD!
Yes, he’s still costing the team money, Diane, but not tying up roster space. And no, he’s not buying the Yankees. lol. It’s possible that we’ll never see him mentoring a single player next year. Maybe another team (Marlins) will pick him up. Maybe he’ll focus on broadcasting or his real estate investments. Who knows. The main thing is he’ll no longer be a Yankee player as of Friday. Beyond that, he’s definitely not going away quietly.
I’m happy to say the Yankees took my advice as to what to do about A-Rod. I had proposed a similar solution to my family having no idea Yankee management was hooked up with the NSA and was able to monitor my conversations through my phone. Good thing I gave them good advice:).
I am in a place similar to yours about Alex, Jane. When he first came over to the Yankees I was not a fan of his actions and character. Over the years my heart has softened as we both have lived our imperfect lives and grown. I really enjoyed his work on the World Series and believe he will make an excellent broadcaster should he go that route. His knowledge of the game is deep and he presents it in interesting and entertaining manner.
I am sure it hurts to have to stop short of 700 home runs but there was no guarantee they would happen. Besides that, A-Rod’s stats will always be tainted so he may as well go out with dignity and make room for the next generation. Already the Yankees are more fun to watch so I’m looking forward to getting to know the “kids.”
You made me laugh, Audrey, with your theory about the NSA and the Yankees hacking into your conversation with your family. LOL. I’m sure that’s what happened. And I agree with your assessment all around. As I said in the post, there’s a gray area and plenty of nuance needed when it comes to assessing A-Rod’s career and his release from the Yanks. You expressed that very well. Gary Sanchez here we come! Next question: what becomes of McCann.