Cashman: Girardi Has Discussed First Base With Alex Rodriguez

Now playing first base, Alex Rodriguez? It could happen.

On a conference call to discuss his three-year extension, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed that manager Joe Girardi recently had a conversation with Rodriguez about using him at first base.

“Joe Girardi conveyed to me he talked to him, briefly, about him getting some work at first base,” said Cashman.”Joe had a conversation recently about that. How extensive that conversation was, I don’t know, but he conveyed it to me.”

If this happens, it could make Rodriguez, 39, a more productive player.

He is coming off a season long suspension for the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs and has had multiple hip surgeries, both of with could limit his mobility at third base, where he has spent his entire Yankee career.

Also, if there is a lower level of stress on his his body while in the field, his offensive numbers could improve as well as his ability to remain on the field for the Yankees.

Rodriguez may also spend some time as the designated hitter, which may help as well.

In 2013, he spent 16 games (54 at bats) at the DH position and hit only .111/.262/.241 with two home runs  and nine RBIs in those appearances. However, in 2012, he played the position 38 times (150 at bats) and hit a much better .307/.371/.467 with five home runs and 20 RBIs.

This indicates that he may do better with less stress on his body, as his sample size for 2012 was much larger than for 2013.

The Yankees need to seriously consider this move as it could save Rodriguez’s productivity in 2015.