Tampa, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Alex Rodriguez might be trying to show a less
combative side, as the most controversial player currently on a major league
roster reported to New York Yankees spring training — three days before
position players are required to report.
The 39-year-old veteran arrived at the Yankees minor league facility in the
early afternoon on Monday and was later fielding grounders at third base, a
position that will likely be filled by Chase Headley, who re-signed with New
York in the offseason. The three-time AL MVP also took batting practice.
Rodriguez was suspended for the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis
scandal and retaliated by suing Major League Baseball and the Yankees. He has
since dropped his lawsuits.
At the time of his suspension, which was the longest in league history for PED
use, and during his appeal, he denied any wrongdoing. However, last week he
met with team officials and later issued a hand-written apology for his
actions.
Rodriguez has three years and $60 million remaining on his contract. In the
2013 season, he played in just 44 games due to injury and hit .244 with seven
homers and 19 RBI. Since the start of the 2011 campaign, Rodriguez has just 41
homers and he hasn’t hit over .280 since 2009.
