A-Rod officially rejoins New York Yankees
Former slugger Alex Rodriguez’s career ended quietly, with little fanfare, on a mid-August night in Yankee Stadium. There was no farewell tour or gifts, just a wave to the crowd as he exited the game on August 12, 2016 with one out in the ninth inning.
It’s not the kind of sendoff befitting a player who hit 696 home runs (4th all time), drove in 2,086 RBIs (3rd all time), and collected 3,115 hits (19th all time).
But then again, A-Rod has a complicated legacy, stained by his use of performance-enhancing drugs. He admitted to taking PEDs while with the Rangers in 2001-2003 and again in 2010-2012 with the Yankees, for which he was suspended for the entire 2014 season.
Now, A-Rod is back with the Yankees in a new role, as special counsel to general manager Brian Cashman, the team announced Sunday.
“These are exciting times for the New York Yankees, and I do not take his opportunity for granted. I am genuinely thankful for the trust the organization has placed in me, and I am looking forward to lending whatever support or expertise is needed of me,” Rodriguez said about his new job, as reported by CBS Sports.
“I continue to cherish The Pinstripes, the fans and my involvement with the Steinbrenner family, Brian Cashman, and his world-class staff,” Rodriguez added.
When Rodriguez retired in 2016, the Yankees kept him on as special adviser to owner Hal Steinbrenner, a position he served in last season. In that role, he primarily worked advising younger players and prospects.
Now, as special adviser to Cashman, it will likely be a meatier role for Rodriguez.
Former Yankees players Hideki Matsui and Reggie Jackson are also returning as special advisers. In addition, Nick Swisher joins A-Rod as a special adviser to the GM.
Yankees announced that ARod, Reggie, and Matsui are returning in Special Advisor roles.
Nick Swisher has officially joined the organization as Special Advisor to Brian Cashman.
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) February 25, 2018
“A lot of baseball knowledge, I look forward to him getting involved,” said Jackson, according to Newsday.
“There’s a lot of places he can help. Alex is a real student of the game. I think he’s got the ability to manage. He’s got those skills. When Brian invites you back, it’s not for practice. I look forward to Alex spreading his knowledge around.”
Rodriguez will also work as an analyst for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, replacing the current manager of the Yankees, Aaron Boone. In addition, he will serve as a studio analyst for Fox Sports.
“I talked to A-Rod probably three weeks ago in New York,” Boone said. “I think he has a lot to offer. So hopefully with him being on board now, it’s an opportunity for him to impact our team. I think everyone understands how smart of a baseball mind he is, and his ability to communicate that sometimes is really something he’s special at, especially with young guys, and we hope to benefit from that.”
So, A-Rod is back, but he never really left.
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