When I typed Alex Rodriguez's name into google, the first three related people that came up were Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Manny Ramirez. Those three have one major thing in common with Arod. STEROIDS. But, Yankee fans have been assured this is a new era. A clean era for Arod. With the PED and BioGenesis scandals behind him, Rodriguez can now focus on the more important things, like getting his 39 year old PED reliant body back in baseball shape.
As a Yankee fan, I'm concerned, yet anxious about Arod's 2015 campaign. He could bomb the season, proving to everyone that he can't play without the juice, regardless of what he's told the fans. He could struggle to bat his weight, and be replaced as the Designated DH by the barely younger Carlos Beltran. Arod could also make a fool out of himself in front of all the booing fans, and walk away from the team after this season with his $61 million and quickly be consigned to oblivion by the baseball world.
As realistic as all of that sounds, some little part of my pinstriped heart tells me that this could be an omen. Arod could FINALLY produce like he used to back in the mid 2000's. After taking his suspension from the 2013-2014 seasons, he could have gotten 100% healthy again, and play his first full, 162 game season since 2005 with the Yankees. 2005 was also Arod's arguably best year ever in pinstripes, where he posted a .321 average, 130 RBI's and 48 homers. Ever since, loyal yankee fans have seen Arod's numbers decrease. But, 2015 could be the year he actually contributes to this team since 2009, where they won a World Series. His offseason work could all come full circle, and develop a swing that is explosively efficient, making balls pop like popcorn, while simultaneously reducing his strikeouts. IF all of that comes together, Yankee fans could be blessed with a potential post season push.
But being realistic here, the Arod of 2015 won't be able to hold the jockstrap of Arod of the mid 2000's. Granted, he was on the juice back then, but at least he was a valuable member to such a storied organization! Yankees fans have been sick and tired of hearing Arod this and Arod that in the news, and even more sick of him stinking up the field when he's playing! This year needs to be a tell all for Arod. With three years left on his contract, he needs to make some big changes. If he fails, which is likely, the once glorified Yankee will be pressured by the fan base, and even the front office to take his money and get out of the Bronx so there is more room for actual talent. But, if by chance he manages to pull off a successful season, and lead the Yankees to the playoffs, Arod will once again be worshiped by fans. He once again will be mounted on top of a pedestal for all to view. And potentially, could be forgiven of his dreadful sin by the fans, which, in reality, would be the biggest victory of his career.
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