Yankees News: Yanks And Alex Rodriguez Hold Meeting In Bronx

Early Tuesday evening, the New York Yankees and Rodriguez released a joint statement, stating that they did hold a meeting at Yankee Stadium, in which A-Rod did give the team an apology. Here is the statement that was released by the Yankees:

"JOINT STATEMENT FROM:Hal Steinbrenner, New York Yankees Managing General Partner / Co-ChairpersonRandy Levine, New York Yankees PresidentBrian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President, General ManagerJean Afterman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President, Assistant General ManagerAlex RodriguezJim Sharp, Legal Counsel to Alex Rodriguez“Today we held a meeting at Yankee Stadium between Hal Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, Brian Cashman, Jean Afterman, Alex Rodriguez and Jim Sharp. Alex initiated the meeting and apologized to the organization for his actions over the past several years.“There was an honest and frank discussion on all of the issues. As far as the Yankees are concerned, the next step is to play baseball in spring training.”"

The last part of that statement is interesting because while the Yankees are trying to avoid paying Rodriguez his bonuses he would receive if he would tie or pass the home run totals of Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds, they now want to see what if A-Rod has any power left in his bat and could show signs of being the great hitter that he once was.

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As of right now, there isn’t really a place for Rodriguez in the lineup other than designated hitter due to the re-signing of Chase Headley for third base and acquiring Garrett Jones via trade for the backup first base spot.

The last time Rodriguez played in a game for the Yankees was back on September 25, 2013 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was suspended for the 2014 season due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. It’s tough for New York to rely on Rodriguez to give them anything, but if he can produce, it would give the offense a much needed boost.

The one question that I would have after hearing of this meeting is whether or not Rodriguez is going to have one press conference in Tampa to address all of these issues to the media. Will A-Rod take all questions for one media session and then focus solely on playing baseball and helping the team get back to the postseason?

Sure, it won’t have the same effect as when he apologized for PED use in 2009, but New York and A-Rod are clearly taking the steps to try to limit the distraction on the ball club as they prepare for the 2015 season. With the New York Yankees’ position players due to report to camp February 26, it made sense for the organization to try to meet with third baseman/designated hitter Alex Rodriguez before the two sides head to Tampa.

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