After saying A-Rod could have as many at-bats as he wanted during the countdown to tomorrow’s last hurrah as a Yankee player, Girardi backtracked and held A-Rod out of the lineup for the series opener at Fenway. While many (including me) thought the Yankees were being petty and spiteful, Girardi said he was merely trying to win games – reasoning that rang hollow when he seemed to have no problem using Romine, Tex and McCann, none of whom are exactly tearing it up with their offense. The Yankees lost that one. A-Rod pinch hit last night (a win) and finally batted cleanup in tonight’s game (another win). The Sox fans, predictably, gave A-Rod a rousing chorus of boos.
Which brings us to tomorrow at home against Tampa, A-Rod’s last game in pinstripes. The Yankees have said they plan to “recognize” their polarizing star with some sort of ceremony. Does he get a gold watch? A plaque? A gift card to NYY Steak? We shall see. Bets are also being made regarding the likelihood of A-Rod landing with another team, the Marlins being the number one contender for many. Again, we shall see.
Meanwhile, Gary Sanchez = superstar. How impressive has he been since getting called up! He is our future for sure. He can DH when either McCann or Romine is catching (although I think McCann is the next to pack his bags) or be behind the plate as he was tonight – very capably.
On the negative side, I couldn’t believe that Evo came out of last night’s game with more elbow problems. The kid already had Tommy John surgery early in his career. Does he need a redo? And who will slide into the rotation to replace him?
Questions. Always questions.
I didn’t watch much of this series – I was too wrapped up in The Olympics. I truly believe that when The Yankees play Boston and I don’t watch, The Yankees win. Anyway, I’m so tired of all of this A-Rod drama. I understand Boston fans booing him, but hey, Big Papi was on steroids too; wasn’t he? If he makes it to The Hall of Fame, A-Rod should make it too. We’ll see what happens. This is going to be an exciting Yankees weekend with all of the celebrating they are doing. GO YANKEES!!!
All the celebrating? Other than tonight’s last game for A-Rod? Doesn’t sound like a big tribute or anything unless I’ve missed something, Diane.
The celebration of the 1996 World Series win and Mariano’s tribute going into Monument Park. Wish I could be there.
Ah, right you are. Should be a great weekend.