New York Yankees: Just Cut Alex Rodriguez Already
By David Hill
The rumors surrounding Alex Rodriguez‘s impending release from the New York Yankees have been circulating for weeks. It’s time for the Yankees to just make that move for everyone’s sake.
There is no question that Alex Rodriguez is firmly in the latter stages of his career. After providing solid production last season, hitting 33 home runs and producing a .250/.356/.486 batting line. With his 130 OPS+, he provided the New York Yankees far more than could have been expected from a 39 year old coming off of a one year suspension for PED use.
This season, however, he looks every one of his 40 years of age. The power is all but gone, and his .205/.253/.358 batting line is not even close to being worthy of a roster spot. Yet, Rodriguez has remained in New York, in large part due to the money due him over the next two seasons.
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Even that hefty contract may no longer be able to save Rodriguez’ job. There have been rumors circulating for the past few weeks that Rodriguez would be released, and he even met with ownership to discuss his role going forward. The Yankees, meanwhile, have been struggling this season, to the point of selling off assets to restock the minor league system. It is time for the young kids to get a look, and time for the Yankees to see what they have to work with going forward.
It certainly makes sense for the Yankees to release Rodriguez from a baseball standpoint. However, the continual rumors of his expected demise are getting ridiculous. Even Rodriguez, who has maintained that he is willing to do what the Yankees want, to the point of attempting to learn how to play first base, understands that his days in the Bronx are likely numbered, saying he would understand if he was released.
All these rumors are really doing is making Rodriguez, once one of the biggest pariahs in baseball, into a sympathetic figure. Yes, his career is all but over, but there is no need to drag this out any further. For everyone’s sake, the Yankees need to just release Rodriguez and get it over with. Yes, it would be a hit to the bottom line to let him go, but he is only taking up a roster spot anyway. Stop trying to recoup value from something that, quite simply, is no longer of any use.
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The New York Yankees made several difficult decisions in the past week, unloading several pieces to begin the rebuilding process. Now, they need to make the easy decision and move on from Alex Rodriguez.