Davidoff: Source Says Yanks Want A-Rod To Clean Own Mess
Via Ken Davidoff -
The baseball world awaits Alex Rodriguez’s next step, and it will be A-Rod’s move.
The Yankees, having been rebuffed in their independent efforts to confirm the SI.com report Saturday that A-Rod tested positive for two anabolic steroids in 2003, have no choice but to support baseball’s highest-paid player. But they don’t anticipate being heavily involved in the preparation of any public statements.
“He’s got to clean up this mess,” a person familiar with the Yankees’ thinking said Sunday. “He’s got the keys to the kingdom. It’s his show.”
The Yankees’ first full-squad, spring training workout in Tampa, Fla., is Feb. 18, so Rodriguez – who is currently in the Bahamas – could avoid making a statement until then. Yahoo Sports reported that the University of Miami will honor Rodriguez at a dinner Friday.
I’m not sure if Hazel Burke, Mr. French and Rosie the Robot, combined, could “clean up this mess.” Good luck Alex.
Gotta go the Pettite route, I ‘spose. Clearly the Bonds and Clemens method doesn’t work.
Disagree with the Yanks here. He’s a New York Yankee and will wearing the Yankees brand for the next nine years. No matter how much you want to stay out of it and remain separated, it’s not only not going to work but it’s hypocritical.
You had a press conference for Giambi with Torre there, you had one for Pettitte with assorted teammates and Cashman there. You need to do the same for A-Rod. You can’t pick and choose who to support and who to ignore. Alex is a Yankee, a case can be made that he “is” the Yankees, and you need to be there for and with him.
“He’s got to clean up this mess,” a person familiar with the Yankees’ thinking said Sunday. “He’s got the keys to the kingdom. It’s his show.”
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Eh, screw them, I say
Alex is a Yankee, a case can be made that he “is” the Yankees, and you need to be there for and with him.
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No, not really…
No, not really…
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The 2005 and 2007 Yankee teams were completely carried by A-Rod during his MVP years, and they wouldn’t have even sniffed the playoffs without his monster seasons. In 2004 and 2006 when they lost in the playoffs, it was completely labeled his fault because he didn’t hit well enough to get them a championship. His “off year” this year, much like in 2006 (which was a monster off year for the record), had fans booing him when the team was floundering and other players were far worst.
The team lives and dies with A-Rod’s performances, whether it’s true or justifiable or not. Derek Jeter is a sign of great Yankees past and still a great Yankee, but this is A-Rod’s team.
The “no, not really” part refers to the idea that we somehow “need” to be there for and with Rodriguez.
oh ok, my bad Raf
Raf, if you were in the Yanks front office you’d recommend A-Rod cleaning it up on his own?
I really would love for him to just admit everything, if only to defuse the situation as much as possible. I am sure he won’t, however.
Agreed MJ.
I’d want him to admit it, apologize profusely to the Yankees, his fellow players, all Yankee fans and every kid in America or Latin America who looked to him as a role model. Then give up all the details as to when he did it, why he did it, and how he wants to learn from it and help baseball get clean and straightened up. Anything else will create a negative reaction. If he denies it, he’s done. If he stays silent on it, he’s not only done but a slimy creep who can’t admit his mistakes. There really is only one clear option that could, maybe, a long time down the road, work in his favor.
Raf, if you were in the Yanks front office you’d recommend A-Rod cleaning it up on his own?
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If I were in the Yanks’ front office, I’d be wondering why someone failing a test before he came to NY was a big deal.
Having said that, to shut the people up, I’d put together a dog and pony show like they did with Giambi & Pettitte. Have Cashman Girardi, Boras & Rodriguez there. The organization was planning to make $$ off Rodriguez, no sense trying to back out now.