New York Mets: Alex Rodriguez hates home runs, Francisco Lindor’s approach

If there is an afterlife, and we are punished for our sins upon this mortal coil, one of the eternal punishments that we will be subjected to involves listening to Alex Rodriguez broadcast Major League Baseball games. Specifically, we would be forced to listen to his coverage of last night’s New York Mets game against the Phillies, and his take on Francisco Lindor.

Lindor has been one of the best shortstops in the game, a five tool talent who is one of the bright superstars in the game. But that is not enough for Rodriguez. He wants to completely change Lindor’s approach, claiming that his hitting coach should punish him for hitting more than 20 to 25 homers a year.

New York Mets, Francisco Lindor better off without Alex Rodriguez

Perhaps it is a positive that Rodriguez was unsuccessful in his bid to purchase the Mets. Based on his commentary, one would imagine that he would not have considered Lindor as the answer to the team’s shortstop issues. Even if the franchise did trade for him, Rodriguez would have put some ridiculous mandate in place to change his approach.

Yes, Lindor is struggling early this season. However, one would imagine that a four time All Star and two time Silver Slugger winner would be able to figure out the adjustments that he needs to make. Lindor has not come by his solid 115 OPS+, 139 homers, and 192 doubles by mistake. Likewise, his career 14.1% strikeout rate and 8.2% walk rate would indicate that his approach does not need to be changed.

There is a bit of irony in Rodriguez having such a problem with home runs. After all, he did hit 696 homers in his own major league career. He was also suspended twice for PED usage, tarnishing his legacy in pursuit of, one would imagine, more power so that he could earn a larger paycheck.

Rodriguez may well have been a great in his time. But that time was years ago. The game has changed, with different focuses in the batter’s box. Pitchers are throwing harder than ever before. For Rodriguez to criticize Lindor and his approach, when he needed chemical enhancement to be the player he was, is utterly hypocritical. But we have come to expect hypocrisy from Rodriguez.

Alex Rodriguez has a problem with Francisco Lindor’s approach and home runs. The New York Mets shortstop should just keep doing what he has been.