Alex Rodriguez and Orthokine Procedure

The New York Post reported very early this morning that Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez had traveled to Germany, thanks to reliable advice from Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, to receive new treatment on his oft-injured right knee.

This therapy, which I've never heard of before this morning, is known as "orthokine". The following is taken directly from the NY Post.

Orthokine involves taking blood from the patient's arm and spinning it in a centrifuge, a machine used in laboratories to spin objects around a fixed axis. The serum is then injected into the affected area -- in this case, Rodriguez's knee.

Bryant underwent the same treatment last summer to try to strengthen his right knee. He also reportedly had the procedure done in October to treat a chronic left ankle ailment.

It remains unclear if the procedure actually works long-term.

This method, according to Dr. Jonathan Glashow from the NY Post article, is widely believed to reduce inflammation in the targeted area.

The Yankees granted Rodriguez permission to go through with the procedure and he'll arrive on time for the start of spring training.

While it's evident that Rodriguez will never be able to live up to the 10-year, $275 million contract he signed in the 2007 offseason, it appears he's taking every risk to be worth it and keep himself on the field for as long as possible. Rodriguez still has six years, $143 million remaining on his contract, not including an additional $30 million in marketing bonuses for various home run milestones if he reaches them.

Here's to hoping that the orthokine procedure and being able to rest during the offseason have helped strengthen his knee. After undergoing surgery in July, Rodriguez struggled a bit to make contact for the remainder of the 2011 campaign, batting 13 for 68 (.191) while hitting only three homers.