A-Rod Turns 40 and there's Much to Talk About

Alex Rodriguez was born on July 27th , 40 years ago. Rodriguez was drafted first overall in the 1993. Rodriguez is regarded as one of baseballs most polarizing , controversial , and statistically one of the best. Rodriguez has won three MVP awards , a World Series title , and has 3,000 hits. Rodriguez has over 600 homers. Rodriguez of course has been involved in PED scandals. Rodriguez has a career like no other and it's hard to sum it up with just your basic numbers.

The Seattle Years 

Rodriguez started his career in Seattle as a dominating shortstop. Rodriguez debuted with the team when he was just 18 years old. He won the batting title in his first full season in 1996. Rodriguez played seven years for the Mariners before leaving for his mega deal in Seattle. It's in Seattle where Rodriguez began to get his fame and star power. He had a 40-40 season in Seattle. 

The Texas Years 

Rodriguez signed a 10 year , $250 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez only played three years with the Rangers. Rodriguez won the 2003 MVP award and two Gold Glove awards at short stop. He had at least 45 homers in every of those years. He was an all star in every one of those seasons. 

The Yankee Years 

Alex Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees after his 2003 MVP season. Rodriguez agreed to move to third base and become a Yankee. Rodriguez would go on to win 2 MVP Awards in his Yankee career. Rodriguez has had his ups and downs with the club personally but was always a top performer for the team. 

The Stats 

Alex Rodriguez is the longest tenured member of the current New York Yankees. He has 332 home runs with the club and a World Series title. Rodriguez was a key member of the 2009 World Series Club. 

The Troubles

Alex Rodriguez of course missed the 2014 season due to a PED suspension. Rodriguez was involved in the Biogenesis PED scandal. Rodriguez lost a whole year of his career and many people doubted if he would ever put a uniform on let alone a Yankee uniform. Despite making some huge mistakes Rodriguez was determined to get back.

The Celebrity 

Through his 40 year life and his 21 year baseball career , Alex Rodriguez has become quite the polarizing figure in the sports world. Rodriguez has become one of the most famous athletes ever. He is one of the most famous men in America. Rodriguez's comeback story has been a huge topic of discussion. 

Still Swinging

Today A-Rod turns 40 and is having a remarkable season. On Saturday Night Rodriguez blasted three home runs in one game to put away the Twins. Rodriguez has accomplished many milestones this season as he passed Willie Mays on the all time home run list , reached the 2,000 RBI club and hit a home run for his 3,000th career hit. Rodriguez also has been a main factor for the Yankees who are in first place. Rodriguez is a favorite to win MLB comeback of the year. Rodriguez no longer plays the field as the Yankees DH. 

By Peter Vitella 

@Realpete13

How History Plays Into The Demotion Of Rob Refsnyder

Throughout the 112 year history of the New York Yankees the team has had great players play second base. The names of Billy Martin, Jerry Coleman, Bobby Richardson, Willie Randolph, Tony Lazzeri, and Joe Gordon, are just to name a few of the greatest second basemen to play for the Yankees, all had great careers in pinstripes. More recently the names of Chuck Knoblauch, Alfonso Soriano, and Robinson Cano have played second base but in 2015 the names have been Stephen Drew, Jose Pirela, Gregorio Petit, and Brendan Ryan for most of the season. None of these players have been close to being as good as the names mentioned before them. But there is one name that makes fans eyes light up and that is Rob Refsnyder.

Rob Refsnyder is a top prospect who converted from a right fielder to become a second baseman. Refsnyder was called up on July 10th and played a very good second base. He played better than the 2015 names combined in a short period. Refsnyder was then optioned to Triple A on the 19th of July. Why are Yankees fan livid about this? Its because we want to see another name on that legends list. Ever since Robinson Cano left for Seattle the Yankees have been struggling to find an adequate replacement for him. Brian Roberts, Stephen Drew, Gregorio Petit are just three names that tried and failed miserably. The Yankees fan heard about Refsnyder in Spring Training and in the minors and believed that he could be the answer at second base. Refsnyder is the future but I pose one question to the front office why not have Refsnyder and Didi Gregorious grow together and play in the playoffs together? It could be the start to the next dynasty.

The Yankees First Half Review

Believe it or not we are at the All Star Break. The Yankees sit in first place , 3.5 games up on the second place Rays. The division is tightly packed but the Yankees are leading as of now. The Yankees have been streaky but they continue to play good. The bullpen has been a strength. The rotation has been streaky but good enough. The lineup has knocked the ball over the fence. Carlos Beltran and Stephen Drew have struggled but have contributed at times this season. The Yankees ended the first half taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox. They finally called up highly touted second basemen Rob Refsnyder. The Yankees news additions had their ups and downs but contributed. Andrew Miller has been a dominant relief pitcher and teamed up with Dellin Bettances as baseballs best relief pair. The re emergence of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez is why the Yankees are second overall in the MLB in runs scored. Brett Gardner had a great second half as well. Michael Pineda and Masahiro Tanaka have pitched well and Ivan Nova and Nathan Eovaldi continue to improve.

MVP - Mark Teixeira may not have the batting average any more but his average has been respectable. He has 22 home runs. He also leads the AL in RBI with 62. His greatest strength however is his defense. Teixeira is having a Gold Glove caliber defensive season.

Best Pitcher - I will go out on a limb here. I'm not going to pick a starter or one pitcher in particular. I'm going with the Miller -Bettances combo. No one has been more dominant at the back end of a bullpen. When they come into games the game is over.

Best Moment - Alex Rodriguez belted a 1st inning home run off of Justin Verlander into the right field seats it was Rodriguez' 3,000th hit. Last year at this time many people suspected Rodriguez would never play baseball again. Rodriguez  hit the home run at Yankee Stadium and the fans celebrated. Again last year at the time no one , not even Rodriguez could expect it.

Best Story Line - The reemergence of Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira has turned the Yankee lineup into a force to be recon with. Of course guys like Brian McCann ,  Garnder and Jacoby Ellsbury have done a great job also. Rodriguez was written off after sitting out a year as being done. He couldn't hit a fastball and wouldn't make the team. Rodriguez finished the half with a 278 average , 18 homers and 51 RBI. Teixeira sits at 240 with 22 home runs and 62 RBI. Rodriguez and Tex have turned back the clock and if thy can keep it up the Yankees will keep it up. Rodriguez has supplied the magic tying and passing Willie Mays on the home run list and getting his 2,000 RBI.

What to Look Forward To - Rob Refsnyder is finally up and he looks like a promising player for the Yankees in the future. He belted his first home run way out of Fenway Park in the Yankees final game of the first half. He should be the Yankees second basemen of the second half and of the future.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

Alex Rodriguez's Journey to 3,000

Michael Kay said it best when he said 18,000 men have played MLB baseball and just 29 have 3,000 hits. Alex Rodriguez is one of those men. We all know Rodriguez and his PED history. Rodriguez was suspended for all of 2014 for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. For many people it downgrades the accomplishments however you still have to realize that he is a great player. He is one of 29 men to reach the plateau. Rodriguez has messed up many times in his career however always seems to make it back. Even in his age 39 season Rodriguez , while not the same still looks like a force at the plate. Rodriguez has been embraced like his teammates like never before.

Rodriguez will always have the cloud over his head. It's a shame Rodriguez didn't believe in his abilities the way every one else did. Rodriguez was the number 1 draft pick in 1993. Every one thought he would be an all time great and he is their. Rodriguez' stats matchup with anyone in history. Rodriguez has 668 home runs. He has over 3,000 hits and 2,000 RBI'S. His numbers are on the same scale as guys like Babe Ruth , Hank Aaron , Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.

Alex Rodriguez had one of the best careers in baseball history. Some feel he cheated some feel that the numbers are the numbers and some feel he is great regardless. All three are fair points. However
the people who pretend it didn't happen are foolish. It happened , you witnessed it , the whole world did. The people who are trying to protect baseball are not protecting baseball. I grew up watching Rodriguez and appreciate his accomplishments no matter what.  Rodriguez had natural ability. If a young baseball fan asks me what I think of A-Rod I have no problem telling them he was the best I ever saw. I also have no problem telling them he used PED's. I will tell them the whole story not just the story a baseball writer from 40 years ago wants to hear. When you think about all the players who used PED's it's probably a huge number but when you think of those guys who reached 3,000 hits it's just one.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

The Resurgence of the "Old Guys"

If I were to tell you in Spring Training that Alex Rodriguez would be one of the team's best hitters or that Mark Teixeira would 15 home runs you would call me crazy. The fact is that these two have found the fountain of youth and look very similar to the 2009 versions of each other. These two former all stars are currently making their cases for spots in Cincinnati. This has truly been amazing and just what the doctor, Brain Cashman, ordered.

The new age of statistics in baseball has helped fans and organizations view the game in a different scope. The stats in the preseason projected dismal seasons from both sluggers as there were more questions asked about them than the combined home run total of the two. Alex Rodriguez was coming off a PED suspension and multiple hip surgeries. He was also entering his age 40 season which caused the team much concern. Teixeira had not had a quality season since 2010 and his average was dropping significantly throughout the last 3 seasons. Teixeira also battled wrist and leg injuries that led him to missing significant time. These two used the doubt as a way to motivate them into potential All Star candidates. Teixeira may have also used his now famous gluten-free diet to hit a couple of more home runs.

These two along with the recent upswing of Carlos Beltran has showed that these former stars still have some game left in them. Now it might not continue but this has been impressive as they have carried this team. The Yankees will rely on these three and the rest of their lineup to battle for the AL East title as it looks like the race will be a dog fight for the ages.

What Does 660 Mean Today

Friday night Alex Rodriguez hit a home run into the left field seats of the green monster. It was the 660th time Alex Rodriguez rounded the bases. The same amount as Willie Mays. It is well documented that Alex Rodriguez has had his PED troubles. Willie Mays played in a different era. An era that didn't have HGH or the anabolic steroid issues. Many people will never view Alex Rodriguez's accomplishments in the same way as Mays. However even though Alex Rodriguez used PED drugs Rodriguez is still a great player. We see how he can still hit a baseball even at age 39. Alex Rodriguez is an all time great and it is a shame some people won't see that. For some they are lucky to continue to see this play from him.

After the game on Friday night Alex Rodriguez stood on the field alone and cried. Rodriguez was probably thinking about his family and the game he loves. I think we saw some emotion because Rodriguez had some remorse for what he had done. He had some regrets. Maybe he realized he could have played clean all along. The Alex Rodriguez home run might not mean as much to some people but it was a special moment no matter what. Hitting 660 home runs is a truly amazing feet no matter what.

It's a shame that Alex Rodriguez got involved in PED drugs because we see just how talented he is. He still can turn on a pitch like no other. He still can do things on a baseball field better than some half his age. Rodriguez has surprised many with how well he has played. Rodriguez has said all the right things up to this point. He has been very interactive with the fans. Of course some will say it's a PR move but the truth is Rodriguez has always interacted with fans.

As Alex Rodriguez nears the end of his career we know the things he's done. We know the mistakes he has made. We also know just how good Alex Rodriguez was. When it's all set in done Alex Rodriguez will have his place in history. It's a complicated place in history. Everyone will have their
 own opinion in where he belongs. Personally I believe Rodriguez is one of baseballs greats no matter what. Plenty have guys have played baseball plenty of guys have used PEDs. There are only three guys ahead of him on the all time home run list and know matter what that is special.

By Peter Vitella
@Realpete13

Yankee Player of the Game List for April

Every Yankee win I name my player of the game. Here is the recap of April as we move into May.

Win 1 - Michael Pineda
Win 2 - Chase Headley and Alex Rodriguez
Win 3 - Stephen Drew
Win 4 - Alex Rodriguez
Win 5 - Masahiro Tanaka
Win 6 - Yankee Bullpen (Martin , Betances , Miller )
Win 7 - Nathan Eovaldi
Win 8 - Gregorio Petit
Win 9- Masahiro Tanaka
Win 10 - Mark Teixeira
Win 11 - Alex Rodriguez
Win 12 - Brian McCann
Win 13- Chase Whitley

The Yankees finished off a very successful month. 

By Peter Vitella
@Realpete13