Is Alex Rodriguez Uniting The New York Yankees?

Aug 17, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees third baseman

(right) talks with shortstop

(26) during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Is Alex Rodriguez planning a malpractice suit against the New York Yankees? Yes. Is he filing a grievance against the Yankees? Yes. Can GM Brian Cashman even talk to him? No. Must it be awkward for the training staff to try and even stretch the guy in warmups? Oh, I’m sure. So how is he uniting this team while creating a 24 + 1 atmosphere?

Well, offensively he’s much better than any third baseman they trotted out there before A-Rod. He’s performed much better than I ever thought he would. He’s clearly driving through the baseball, something he really couldn’t do late last year and in the postseason. So far he’s hitting .319 with two homers and six RBI in his 12 games back with the club. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Robinson Cano and Alfonso Soriano have had the success they’ve had of late. 

Rodriguez has a target on his back from his fellow players. Why do you think Ryan Dempster threw at him four times? (and if you don’t think he did you’re lying to yourself). Other players around the league clearly don’t think he should be playing, even though the appeal process is something they all AGREED to.

With all the focus on A-Rod and the off-field drama, it can take some of the spotlight off the on-field struggles. When A-Rod got targeted last night, it got everyone fired up, especially Joe Girardi. I can’t remember seeing him go off on an umpire like that ever.

It’s the Yankees against the world now, even more than it usually is. Even though a lot of it has to do with what A-Rod caused,  he’s bringing them together. Now we’ll see if the Yankees can reach the post-season with the help of A-Rod, before they may lose him, possibly for good.