Yankees Editorial: How Alex Rodriguez Can Begin To Show The Yankees He Is Really Sorry

When the news broke last month that the New York Yankees had received an apology from Alex Rodriguez, some believed him, while others shook their heads. But now he has an opportunity to show his sincerity, and it is an opportunity he should not pass up.

“I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season,” Rodriguez said according to NPR. “I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans, I can only say I’m sorry.” [related category]

So it is more than ironic that as Rodriguez makes his return, the Yankees find themselves with a distinction they would like to erase.With the recent suspension of Moises Cedeno, the Yankees now have three minor league players in 2015 who have been suspended for performance enhancement issues. Cedeno follows Brayan Alcantara and Tyler Palmer, which ties the Yankees with the Indians and Giants for the most in baseball this year, according to Baseball America.

Now, there are those of course who will never believe a word that Alex says. And it is difficult to blame them. More than once his breath has been like the summer wind. But this is a chance for his actions to take center stage. There is perhaps no one in baseball who is more qualified to share with minor league players the consequences that come from poor decisions.

All three of the suspended players have shown promise. Cedeno posted a 3.23 ERA for the Yankees Domincan Summer League team. Alcantara made great strides in finding his control in 2014. His 3.16 walks per nine innings was the lowest of his career. Palmer, a shortstop, overcame hand surgery and had a .354 on base percentage in the rookie league.

Now, Alex could just take his at bats, eat his sun flower seeds and collect his money. Or, he could make a real difference in the lives of young players who could benefit by learning from the mistakes that he has made.

Maybe there will be few of them will ever make the major leagues. But even if they don´t, maybe he could help them to point their lives in the right direction.

And then maybe, just maybe, more people will believe that he really is sorry.

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)