FanPost

Underappreciating Alex Rodriguez

Sure, us as fans can think of a million and one reasons to hate Alex Rodriguez. Between all of the cheating, lying, obnoxious fanfare and unnecessary media spots, one would safely describe A-Rod's tenure as a New York Yankee to be more of a circus act than a period of mere success and domination - like many of us envisioned and hoped for. It really all started back in 2004 when A-Rod infamously slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove running up the first base line in Game 4 of the ALCS. That moment can be viewed as the beginning of the end for A-Rod's popularity with the Yankee fans, the Yankee personnel and Major League Baseball. From there, the excessive media attention, the falling out with long-time pal Derek Jeter and the consistent under-performances - especially in the playoffs - led to A-Rod's eventual hit of "rock bottom" in 2013 and 2014 when he was convicted of using steroids AGAIN and lying to Major League Baseball AGAIN - ultimately leading to his one year suspension from baseball. So there you have it, we as fans have all the reason in the world to hate A-Rod right?

The reason I am writing this is to try to bring light to the other side of the story. We as fans, sometimes get caught up in the media just as much as the athletes do. We tend to agree and side with popular media angles, fearing that opposition will have a negative connotation among our family and friends. I say this, because I, for one, have acted in such a way. I strongly believe that all of the hate that A-Rod has gotten and is continuing to get, although warranted, is a testament to just how under appreciated he is and has been to the Yankees and Major League Baseball this year. A lot of people I talk to say that they hate A-Rod because he cheated the game and cheaters should never be appreciated and rooted for the same way players who obey ever rule of the game do - Derek Jeter? Yes, A-Rod cheated, and yes, A-Rod will NEVER achieve the same level of appreciated and respect that Derek Jeter had, but lets step back for a moment. Did we all forget that A-Rod ultimately was the sole reason we won a championship back in 2009? Yeah we had significant contributions from players such as A.J. Burnett, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, but A-Rod had one of the more over-powering playoff runs in history - tainted or not. Furthermore, do we not see what the man has done for us this year? After an entire year away from the game, no one expected much of anything from A-Rod this year - me included. People were saying that he would ride the bench and ultimately decide to retire mid-season when he realized he had little to no role on the team. Some people were even calling for Chris Young to be the everyday DH - instead of A-Rod. Still feel that way? For a 39 year old - soon to be 40 year old - man can spend a year away from the game and come back to be hitting .278 with 12 homeruns, 34 rbi, a slugging % of .505 and an OPS of .888, and STILL receive as much hate as he does, something is seriously wrong.

While I don't disagree with the notion of A-Rod being a cheater and cheaters are no good for the game, I do disagree with the notion that A-Rod is not a figure of inspiration and a true leader. True, we still have a little under 60% of the regular season to be played - 60% that A-Rod could just completely fall off and become that mediocre bench-rider that some of you were hoping for - but almost half-way through the season and seeing the numbers that he has put up so far, it is hard to not root for A-Rod. While some may question his motives and decision-making in regards to following the rules, one thing about A-Rod that can not be question is his integrity and work ethic. To be almost 40 years old and be putting up the numbers that he has, A-Rod has shown the Yankees, Major League Baseball and most importantly, the fans, that he has put his past behind him and is fully committed to his baseball future - however long that may be - and we, as fans, should do the same.

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