Rodriguez came into Sunday fourth on the all-time home run list (696), second with 2,084 RBI, eighth in runs scored (2,021) and 19th on the hit list (3,114).
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He was suspended for the 2014 season for using performance enhancing drugs, which cost him fans. “He talked about the cards that were dealt to him and he made the best out of it, so I wish him the best”. Rodriguez will be paid the full sum still owed on his deal, which is approximately $27 million, according to ESPN. “He has been very helpful to us young players”.
He previously played for the Settle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez was one of the sport’s most highly touted prospects and is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. As part of his wide-ranging duties, Rodriguez will provide the Yankees regular feedback and analysis regarding the club’s minor league system. Rodriguez said he met last week with team owner Hal Steinbrenner and this plan was agreed upon.
“He’s exceptional on the baseball end, in terms of the teaching and evaluating side of it”. Cashman also said Rodriguez would be able to pursue television opportunities.
Beyond the Baseball Hall of Fame, though, is this question: Will Rodriguez eventually have a plaque in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park? “It’s been painful and embarrassing and awkward”, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez went on to win the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2005 and 2007 and was a leading member of the Yankees club that won the 2009 World Series, the only championship of his career. A-Rod has credentials other than home runs.
September 20, 2013: Sets a MLB-record with his 24th grand slam, breaking Lou Gehrigs’ mark.
Rodriguez’s release will cap a legendary but contentious career with the Yankees which saw him repeatedly embroiled in controversy since arriving in NY in 2004 from Texas.
He is in a four-for-36 batting slump and has struck out in five of his last six at-bats.
Gardner said he was not surprised by the extraordinary season Rodriguez had in 2015, when, after missing a season because of a PED suspension, he returned to hit 33 home runs the year he turned 40.
But the way his Yankees career is ending – first, Rodriguez was benched against right-handed starters, then he was benched altogether and has started just one of the past 11 games – clearly left a bad taste in Gardner’s mouth.
“Alex and I need to have a conversation”, said Girardi.
“If he wants to play in every game (through Friday), I’ll find a way”, Girardi said, via FOX Sports.
Rodriguez signed to play for the Hurricanes but everyone knew that wasn’t happening.
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NY manager Joe Girardi said he’d talk to Rodriguez about possibly playing this week in Boston. “I think I can help out in the clubhouse”, he added, “but if not, I have two lovely daughters waiting for me in Miami”. “I love this game and I love this team”, he said, often pausing or choking up. “You always try to give it your best and it’s one thing that just stuck in my head since that day”.
