Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/8/16

Around the Empire

ESPN | Andrew Marchand: Whether you love him or hate him, Alex Rodriguez will be missed after he stops playing on Friday. If for no other reason, there has never been and likely will never be a career as polarizing as A-Rod’s.

SBNation MLB | Grant Brisbee: Alex Rodriguez is retiring in the only way that makes sense for his career. He couldn’t go through the full retirement tour, and him retiring this way makes the most sense because he is one of the most controversial figures.

New York Daily News | Reuven Blau: After A-Rod and the Yankees announced that he will be released following Friday’s game against the Rays, ticket prices surged 355%. Fans are going to be rushing to the stadium to say goodbye and see him play one last time.

ESPN | Josh Rosenblat: Yankees players reflect on A-Rod’s value as a teammate and talk about how he will be missed. After everything is said and done, A-Rod did a lot to repair his reputation and become a good teammate. Even Red Sox players got in on the action reflected on A-Rod, having nothing but positive things to say.

NJ.com | Joe Giglio: Brett Gardner, A-Rod’s current longest-lasting teammate, is not too happy with how he is going out. He thinks Teixeira’s and Rodriguez’s situations are different, as Tex is leaving at the end of the season on his own terms whereas A-Rod is being forced out. Gardner is not wrong, and it’s completely understandable for him to feel this way after his teammate of eight years is leaving.

Today’s Knuckleball | Jon Heyman: In non-Rod news, catcher Brian McCann has cleared waivers and is eligible to be traded to any team now. Leading up to the non-waiver deadline, the Braves were rumored to be interested in McCann. With Sanchez up, it’ll be interesting to see if something happens. However, with A-Rod and Teixeira retiring, there could be room for McCann and Sanchez on the team, if McCann can take to first base.

Fun Questions

• Which sports, if any, are you following this most this Olympics?
• Besides the 2009 championship, what’s your favorite A-Rod moment?

Song of the Day

This is Why I’m Hot by MIMS

It’s Rod Week on Pinstripe Alley. With A-Rod announcing that this will be his final week as a MLB player, it only seemed fitting to dedicate this week to him. So Greg and I will be using a collection of his walk-up songs to honor Dad-Rod. As always, please link us your song of the day.

Didi Victory Tweet