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The following biography
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Free Encyclopedia.”
Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27,
1975), nicknamed A-Rod, is a Dominican American professional baseball
player. He currently plays third base for the New York Yankees of Major
League Baseball. He previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners
and the Texas Rangers.
Rodriguez is considered one of the best all–around
baseball players of all time.[1][2][3] He is the youngest player ever to hit 500
home runs, breaking the record Jimmie Foxx set in 1939.
In December 2007, Rodriguez and the Yankees agreed
to a 10 year, $275 million contract. This contract was the richest contract in
baseball history (breaking his previous record of $252 million).[4]
In February 2009, Rodriguez admitted to using
banned substances from 2001 to 2003, citing "an enormous amount of pressure to
perform".[5][6]
****
New York Yankees — No. 13
Third baseman
Born: July 27, 1975 (1975-07-27) (age 33)
New York, New York
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 8, 1994 for the Seattle Mariners
Career statistics
(through 2008 season)
Batting average .306
Home runs 553
Runs batted in 1,606
Hits 2,404
Doubles 428
On-base plus slugging .967
Teams
Seattle Mariners (1994-2000)
Texas Rangers (2001-2003)
New York Yankees (2004-present)
Career highlights and awards
12x All-Star selection (1996–1998, 2000–2008)
10x Silver Slugger Award winner (1996, 1998–2003,
2005, 2007, 2008)
4x AL Hank Aaron Award winner (2001–2003, 2007)
3x AL MVP (2003, 2005, 2007)
2x Gold Glove Award winner (2002, 2003)
****
Early
life
Background
Rodriguez was born in the Washington Heights
section of New York City to a Dominican family. When he was four, Rodriguez and
his parents moved to their native Dominican Republic, then to Miami, Florida.
Rodriguez's favorite baseball players when he was growing up were Keith
Hernandez, Dale Murphy, and Cal Ripken. His favorite team growing up was the New
York Mets.[7]
High
school
Rodriguez was a star shortstop at Miami's
Westminster Christian High School. In 100 games he batted .419 with 90 steals.
Westminster went on to win the high school national championship in his junior
year. He was first team prep All-American as a senior, hitting .505 with 9 home
runs, 36 RBI, and 35 steals in 35 tries in 33 games, and was selected as the USA
Baseball Junior Player of the Year and as Gatorade's national baseball student
athlete of the year. Rodriguez was the first high school player to ever try out
for Team USA in 1993, and was regarded as the top prospect in the country.
University of Miami
Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to play
baseball for the University of Miami and was also recruited by the university to
play quarterback for its football team. Rodriguez turned down Miami's baseball
scholarship and never played college baseball, opting instead to sign with the
Seattle Mariners after being selected in the first round of the amateur draft at
the age of 17. In 2003, Rodriguez gave $3.9 million to the University of Miami
to renovate its baseball stadium. The new facility will be named "Mark Light
Field at Alex Rodriguez Park." Rodriguez remains an ardent University of Miami
fan, and can frequently be found at Hurricane sporting events, as well as
working out at the school's athletic facilities in the off-season. He received
the University of Miami's Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award in
2007. Rodriguez had previously been named an "honorary alumnus" of the
university in 2004. He is a member of the University of Miami's Board of
Trustees.
Professional career
Seattle
Mariners
Rodriguez was drafted first overall by the Seattle
Mariners in 1993. He was signed by Roger Jongewaard right out of high school. In
1994, Rodriguez played for Seattle's AAA affiliate, the Calgary Cannons. In 32
games, he had 37 hits in 119 at bats for a .311 batting average. He also
compiled 6 home runs and 21 runs batted in. Rodriguez rose rapidly through the
Mariners organization, and made his major league debut as the starting shortstop
on July 8, 1994, in Boston at 18 years, 11 months, and 11 days of age. He was
just the third 18-year-old Major League shortstop since 1900. He was also the
first 18-year-old Major League player in 10 years, and the youngest position
player in Seattle history. His first Major League hit was a single off Sergio
Valdez on July 9 at Fenway Park. Rodriguez's first Major League campaign lasted
just one month; the season was cut short by the 1994 Major League Baseball
strike.
Rodriguez then split most of 1995 between the
Mariners and their AAA club, the Tacoma Rainiers. He connected for his first
Major League home run off Kansas City's Tom Gordon on June 12. Rodriguez joined
the Major League roster permanently in August, and got his first taste of
postseason play, albeit in just two at-bats. Again, he was the youngest player
in baseball.[citation needed]
1996:
First full season and breakout year
The following year, Rodriguez took over as the
Mariners' regular shortstop (SS) and emerged as a star player, hitting 36 HR,
driving in 123 runs, and pacing the American League (AL) with a .358 batting
average, the highest for an AL right-handed batter since Joe DiMaggio hit .381
in 1939 and the 3rd highest ever for a SS. At 21 years and one month, he was the
3rd youngest AL batting leader ever behind Al Kaline (20) in 1955 and Ty Cobb
(20) in 1907, and the 3rd youngest player in history with 35+ homers. He was
also the 1st major league SS to win a batting title since 1960, and the 1st in
the AL since 1944, and at 20 years, 11 months, was the youngest SS in All-Star
Game history. He also led the AL in runs (141), total bases (379), and doubles
(54) and ranked among the league leaders in hits (2nd, 215), extra base hits
(2nd, 91), multi-hit games (3rd, 65), slugging (4th, .631), RBI (8th, 123), and
on-base percentage (8th, .414). Rodriguez posted the highest totals ever for a
shortstop in runs, hits, doubles, extra base hits, and slugging, and tied most
total bases, and established Seattle club records for average, runs, hits,
doubles, and total bases, in a season that statistical analysts consider the
best ever by an SS.[8]
He was selected by both The Sporting News and
Associated Press as the Major League Player of the Year, and came close to
becoming the youngest MVP (Most Valuable Player) in baseball history, finishing
second to Juan González in one of the most controversial MVP elections in recent
times.[9] He finished three points behind González (290-287), matching the 2nd
closest A.L. MVP voting in history.
1997–99
season
In 1997, Rodriguez's numbers fell somewhat, as he
hit 23 HRs with 84 RBI and a .300 batting average that year. He hit for the
cycle on June 5 at Detroit, becoming the 2nd Mariner to ever accomplish the
feat, and at 21 years, 10 months, was 5th youngest player in history to do it.
He was the fan's choice to start the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team,
becoming the first player other than Cal Ripken to start at shortstop in 13
years. It was the first All-Star start of his career and his second All-Star
Game in two years.
Rodriguez rebounded in 1998, setting the AL record
for homers by a shortstop and becoming just the third member of the 40-40 Club,
(with 42 HR and 46 SB) and one of just 3 shortstops in history to hit 40 home
runs in a season.
He was selected as Players Choice AL Player of the
Year, won his 2nd Silver Slugger Award and finished in the top 10 in the MVP
voting.
In 1999, he again hit 42 HR, despite missing over
30 games with an injury and playing the second half of the season at Safeco
Field, a considerably less hitter-friendly ballpark than the Kingdome.
2000:
Final season in Seattle
Rodriguez entered 2000 as the cornerstone player of
the Mariners franchise, which had recently dealt superstars Randy Johnson and
Ken Griffey, Jr. Rodriguez put up great numbers as the team's remaining
superstar; he hit 41 HR with 132 RBI and had a .316 batting average. He set a
career high for walks (100) and became the only shortstop to have 100 runs, RBI,
and walks in the same season. He hit well in the playoffs as well (.409 batting
average and .773 slugging percentage), but Seattle lost to the New York Yankees
in the American League Championship Series.
He was selected as the Major League Player of the
Year by Baseball America and finished 3rd in the BBWAA AL MVP voting.
Texas
Rangers
Rodriguez became a free agent after the 2000
season. He eventually signed with the Texas Rangers, who had fallen to last in
their division in 2000. The contract he signed was at the time the most
lucrative contract in sports history: a 10-year deal worth $252 million. The
deal was worth $63 million more than the second-richest baseball deal.
2001–02: Record-breaking seasons
Rodriguez's power hitting numbers improved with his
move to Texas. In his first season with the Rangers, Alex produced one of the
top offensive seasons ever for a shortstop, leading the American League with 52
HR, 133 runs scored, and 393 total bases. He became the first player since 1932
with 50 homers and 200 hits in a season, just the third shortstop to ever lead
his league in homers, and was just the second AL player in the last 34 seasons
(beginning 1968) to lead the league in runs, homers, and total bases; his total
base figure is the most ever for a major league shortstop. His 52 homers made
him the sixth youngest to ever reach 50 homers and were the highest total ever
by a shortstop, surpassing Ernie Banks' record of 47 in 1958, and also the most
ever for an infielder other than a 1st baseman, breaking Phillies 3B Mike
Schmidt's mark of 48 in 1980.[10] It was his 5th 30-homer campaign, tying Banks
for most ever by a shortstop. He also tied for the league lead in extra base
hits (87) and ranked 3rd in RBI (135) and slugging (.622). He was also among the
AL leaders in hits (4th, 201), average (7th, .318), and on-base percentage (8th,
.399). He established Rangers club records for homers, runs, total bases, and
hit by pitches, had the 2nd most extra base hits, and the 4th highest RBI total.
He led the club in runs, hits, doubles (34), homers, RBI, slugging, and on-base
percentage and was 2nd in walks (75), stolen bases (18), and game-winning RBI
(14) while posting career highs for homers, RBI, and total bases. Rodriguez
started 161 games at shortstop and one as the DH, the only major league player
to start all of his team's games in 2001.
He followed that with a major league-best 57 HR,
142 RBI and 389 total bases in 2002, becoming the first player to lead the
majors in all three categories since 1984. He had the 6th-most home runs in AL
history, the most since Roger Maris' league record 61 in 1961, and the most ever
for a shortstop for the 2nd straight year while also winning his first Gold
Glove Award, awarded for outstanding defense.
His 109 home runs in 2001-02 are the most ever by
an American League right-handed batter in consecutive seasons. However, the
Rangers finished last in the AL Western division in both years, a showing that
likely cost Rodriguez the MVP award in 2002 when he finished second to fellow
shortstop Miguel Tejada, whose 103-win Oakland A's won the same division.
2003:
American League Most Valuable Player
In 2003, his last season with Texas, Rodriguez led
the American League in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage, and won
his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. He also led the league in fewest at
bats per home run (12.9) and became the youngest player to hit 300 homers.
Following five top-10 finishes in the AL Most
Valuable Player voting between 1996 and 2002, Rodriguez won his first MVP
trophy. A-Rod, a two-time runner up in the balloting by the Baseball Writers
Association of America, joined outfielder Andre Dawson from the 1987 Chicago
Cubs as the only players to play on last-place teams and win the award.
Following the 2003 season, Texas set out to move
Rodriguez and his expensive contract. The Rangers initially agreed to a trade
with the Boston Red Sox, but the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players
Association) vetoed the deal because it called for a voluntary reduction in
salary by Rodriguez. Despite the failed deal with the Red Sox, the Rangers named
him team captain during that off-season. This designation did not last long,
however, as the New York Yankees had taken notice of the sudden trade
availability of Rodriguez.
On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported
that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for anabolic steroids, testosterone and
Primobolan, in 2003 (see Criticism: Steroid use, below).[11] Rodriguez's name
appears on a government-sealed list of 104 major-league players (out of 1200
tested[12]) who came up positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The report was
compiled as part of Major League Baseball's 2003 survey to see whether mandatory
random drug testing program might be necessary. At the time, there was no
penalty or punishment for a positive steroid test. Rodriguez did not immediately
confirm the allegations, deferring at first to the players' union.[13][11] Two
days after the allegations, Rodriguez admitted to steroid use from 2001 until
2003, claiming that he ceased using such substances after spring training that
year.[5][6]
New
York Yankees
Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee
injury while playing a game of pickup basketball that sidelined him for the
entire 2004 season, creating a hole at third base.
On February 15, 2004, the Rangers traded Rodriguez
to the New York Yankees for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and a player to be
named later (Joaquín Árias was sent to the Rangers on March 24). The Rangers
also agreed to pay $67 million of the $179 million left on Rodriguez's contract.
Rodriguez agreed to switch positions from shortstop
to third base, paving the way for the trade, because the popular Derek Jeter was
already entrenched at shortstop. Rodriguez also had to switch uniform numbers,
from 3 to 13; he had worn 3 his entire career, but that number is retired by the
Yankees in honor of Babe Ruth.
2004:
First season with Yankees
In his first season with the Yankees, Rodriguez hit
.286 with 36 home runs, 106 runs batted in, 112 runs scored and 28 stolen bases.
He became one of only three players in Major League history to compile at least
35 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBI in seven consecutive seasons, joining Hall of
Famers Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx. The 112 runs marked the ninth straight season
in which he scored at least 100 runs, the longest such streak in the Major
Leagues since Hank Aaron did it in 13 straight seasons from 1955-1967, and the
longest in the American League since Mickey Mantle did it also in nine straight
seasons from 1953-1961. During the 2004 season, he also became the youngest
player ever to reach the 350 HR mark and the third youngest to reach the 1,000
RBI plateau. He was elected to the 2004 American League All-Star Team, the
eighth All-Star selection of his career and the first as a third baseman. On
July 24, 2004, after being hit by a pitch, Rodriguez and Boston Red Sox catcher
Jason Varitek scuffled, leading to a brawl between both teams. On defense, he
had the lowest range factor among AL third basemen (2.39) in his first year at
the position.[citation needed] He finished 14th in balloting for the AL MVP
Award.
In the 2004 ALDS, Rodriguez was a dominant hitter
against the Minnesota Twins, batting .421 and slugging .737 while delivering two
key extra-inning hits. Following the series win, Rodriguez's first season with
the Yankees culminated in a dramatic playoff series against the team he had
almost ended up playing for: the Yankees' bitter rival, the Boston Red Sox. In
that series (ALCS) he equaled the single-game post-season record with five runs
scored in Game 3 at Boston.
One of the most controversial plays of Rodriguez's
career occurred late in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS (American League Championship
Series). With one out and Derek Jeter on first base in the bottom of the eighth
inning, Rodriguez hit a slow roller between the pitcher's mound and the first
base line. Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo fielded the ball and ran towards
Rodriguez to apply a tag. As Arroyo reached towards him, Rodriguez swatted at
his glove, knocking the ball loose. As the ball rolled away, Jeter scored all
the way from first as Rodriguez took second on the play, which was initially
ruled an error on Arroyo. However, the umpires quickly huddled, then ruled that
Rodriguez was out for interference. Jeter was sent back to first base, his run
nullified.
2005:
American League Most Valuable Player
In 2005, Rodriguez hit .321, leading the American
League with 124 runs and 48 HR while driving in 130 runs. He became the first
Yankee to win the American League home run title since Reggie Jackson (41) in
1980. He also became one of only two players in Major League history to compile
at least 35 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBIs in eight consecutive seasons
(Jimmie Foxx accomplished the feat in nine straight seasons from 1932-1940).
Rodriguez established the franchise record for most home runs in a single season
by a right-handed batter (broke Joe DiMaggio's mark of 46 in 1937). His 47 HR
from the third base position are a single-season American League record. Alex
hit 26 home runs at Yankee Stadium in 2005, establishing the single-season club
record for right-handed batters (previously held by DiMaggio in 1937 and Gary
Sheffield in 2004). On June 8, at 29 years, 316 days old, he became the youngest
player in MLB history to reach the 400 HR mark. 2005 also marked the tenth
straight season that Rodriguez scored at least 100 runs. On defense, however, he
had the lowest range factor in the league at third for the second straight
season (2.62).[citation needed]
An offensive highlight of his season came on April
26, when Rodriguez hit 3 HR off Angels' pitcher Bartolo Colón and drove in 10
runs. The 10 RBIs were the most by a Yankee since Tony Lazzeri established the
franchise and American League record with 11 on 5/24/36. Rodriguez won his
second AL MVP Award in three seasons.
He became the fifth player to win an MVP award (or
its precursor 'League Award') with two different teams, joining Mickey Cochrane,
Jimmie Foxx, Frank Robinson and Barry Bonds. Rodriguez was also named the
shortstop on the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team in 2005.
2006
season
Rodriguez was again an All-Star in 2006, and was
4th in the league in RBI (121), 5th in runs (113), 8th in home runs (35) and
walks (90), and 9th in OBP (.392). He also led all AL third basemen in errors,
with 24, and had the lowest fielding percentage (.937) and – for the third
straight season – range factor (2.50) among them. Rodriguez's 2,000th hit, on
July 21, 2006, was also his 450th home run. Six days shy of his 31st birthday,
Rodriguez became the youngest player in baseball history to reach 450 home runs
(surpassing Ken Griffey, Jr. by 267 days). He also became the 8th player to
reach 2,000 hits before turning 31. Ty Cobb reached the mark while still 29,
while Rogers Hornsby, Mel Ott, Hank Aaron, Joe Medwick, Jimmie Foxx, and Robin
Yount all got their 2,000th hits at age 30. All 7 of the players are members of
baseball's Hall of Fame. Rodriguez also became the 2nd player in Major League
history to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBI in 9 consecutive
seasons joining Jimmie Foxx. 2006 was Alex's 11th consecutive season with more
than 100 runs scored, the longest such streak in American League history since
Lou Gehrig did it in 13 straight seasons (1926-38). Despite this success, it was
one of his lesser seasons and was harshly criticized throughout the 2006 season.
He has said that 2006 was his most difficult season as a professional. Prior to
the season Rodriguez opted to play for team USA in the World Baseball
Classic.[14]
2007:
American League Most Valuable Player
With the 2007 season came a new attitude. Rodriguez
reported to camp lighter, having reduced his body fat from 16% the year before
to 9%. Alex made light of this fact during a Late Night with David Letterman
sketch filmed during Spring Training, which featured a shirtless A-Rod being
rubbed down with suntan lotion. He revealed to the press that he and Derek Jeter
were no longer close friends. Rodriguez also reduced his high leg kick at the
plate, increasing his bat speed, making him less-apt to strike out and a more
dangerous hitter.[15]
In the Yankees' fourth game of the season,
Rodriguez hit two home runs against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium,
including his 14th-career grand slam to end the game. The walk-off grand slam
was the third of his career, tying the major league mark for game-ending grand
slams shared by Vern Stephens and Cy Williams.[16][17] Rodriguez also began the
season by becoming the ninth major leaguer—and first Yankee—to hit six home runs
in the first seven games of the season. Rodriguez also became the first Yankee
to hit seven home runs in the first ten games of the season.[18]
On April 19, the Yankees came from behind to defeat
the Cleveland Indians 8-6—with Rodriguez hitting a walk-off home run. WCBS
Yankees radio broadcaster noted that Rodriguez had a better frame of mind, and
the fans were beginning to accept him more after his two walk-off home runs. On
April 23, Rodriguez became the first player in major league history to hit 14
home runs in a span of 18 games, and also tied the MLB record for most home runs
in April. His total of 34 RBIs in April was 1 short of Juan González' AL and MLB
record. On April 24, Rodriguez's 23-game hitting streak came to an end. In a
game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 30, Rodriguez sparked controversy when
he shouted during a routine play and the infielder let the pop fly drop, costing
the Blue Jays four runs. The Yankees went on to win the game, 10–5.
On June 12, Rodriguez hit a home run against the
Arizona Diamondbacks that hit off the front of the upper deck in left field. The
home run was A-Rod's 25th of the season in only 63 games. That beat out his mark
of the 2006 season, in which it took Rodriguez 113 games to reach 25.
On July 12, Rodriguez hit his 150th career home run
in a Yankees uniform. This made him the first player in major league history to
ever hit 150 home runs for three different teams. He is also just the third
player to hit at least 100 home runs for three teams; Reggie Jackson and Darrell
Evans are the other two.
On August 4, Rodriguez hit his 500th career home
run against pitcher Kyle Davies of the Kansas City Royals. This made Alex the
youngest player ever to reach 500 homers (32 years, 8 days). He is only the
second Yankee to hit number 500 at home; Mickey Mantle on May 14, 1967 against
Stu Miller was the other.
On September 5, for the first time in his career,
Rodriguez hit two home runs in one inning against the Seattle Mariners. On
September 23, New York Magazine reported that Rodriguez was involved in a deal
for a new contract with the Chicago Cubs that would include part ownership of
the team. His agent, however, reported to ESPN that this was untrue.[19]
On September 25, Rodriguez became the fifth player
ever in major league history to record a 50-home run, 150-RBI season when he hit
a grand slam. Derek Jeter was one of the first of his teammates to congratulate
him.[20]
In 2007, Rodriguez became the first player in major
league history to have at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 RBI in 10
consecutive seasons, surpassing Jimmie Foxx (9 consecutive seasons).
He led the AL in home runs (54), RBIs (156),
slugging percentage (.645), OPS (1.067), total bases (376), and times on base
(299), and was 2nd in hit by pitch (21), extra base hits (85), and at bats per
home run (10.8), 4th in on base percentage (.422) and sacrifice flies (9), 7th
in walks (95) and plate appearances (708), 8th in intentional walks (11), and
9th in games (158).
On October 24, Rodriguez won the Players Choice
Award for Outstanding AL Player. On October 27, he won the Players Choice Award
for Player of the Year. He also won the 2007 sliver slugger award for his
position.[21]
On November 19, 2007, Rodriguez was named the AL
MVP for the third time in his career, receiving 26 first-place votes out of a
possible 28.[22]
Opt-out
controversy
The 2007 season marked the last year of Rodriguez's
10-year, $252 million contract before he opted out, effectively making him a
free agent again. Rodriguez had repeatedly stated during the 2007 season that he
would like to remain a Yankee for the rest of his career.[23] On October 28,
2007, Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, announced that he would not renew his
contract with the Yankees citing that he "was unsure of the future composition"
of the team. He received a slew of criticism from fans and writers alike not
only for opting out, but also for not meeting with Yankee management before he
did. He was further criticized for the timing of his announcement, during the
eighth inning of Game Four of the World Series, as the Boston Red Sox were
wrapping up their victory over the Colorado Rockies. After realizing that the
situation was not handled very well, Rodriguez contacted the New York Yankees
ownership directly, bypassing Boras. Subsequently, Rodriguez issued a statement
on his website, saying that he wished to stay with the Yankees.[24] On November
15, 2007, the New York Yankees and Rodriguez agreed on the "basic framework" of
a 10-year, $275 million contract. Rodriguez stands to make millions more if he
breaks the all-time home run record as a Yankee. The contract was finalized on
December 13.
2008
season
On September 3, in a game against the Tampa Bay
Rays, Rodriguez hit his 549th home run. The opposing manager objected that the
ball was foul, and for the first time in MLB history, instant replay (a process
officially introduced a few days earlier) was used to review the play and uphold
the umpires' ruling.[25] He was one of only 4 batters in the AL to have at least
18 home runs and 18 stolen bases in both 2007 and 2008, along with Torii Hunter,
Ian Kinsler, and Grady Sizemore.
2009
season
Rodriguez will represent the Dominican Republic in
the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Career
earnings
As of 2008 season[26]
Year League Team Salary
2008 American League New York Yankees $28,000,000
2007 American League $22,708,525
2006 American League $21,680,727
2005 American League $26,000,000
2004 American League $22,000,000
2003 American League Texas Rangers $22,000,000
2002 American League $22,000,000
2001 American League $22,000,000
2000 American League Seattle Mariners $4,362,500
1999 American League $3,112,500
1998 American League $2,112,500
1997 American League $1,012,500
1996 American League $442,334
Total career earnings $197,431,586
Criticism
Rodriguez has received the nickname The Cooler
among players because of the perceived tendency for teams to turn cold when he
joins them and hot when he leaves and because of his negative influence on team
chemistry.[27][28][29][30][31][32]
Due to the unsuccessful nature of the Yankees 2004,
2005, 2006, and 2007 postseasons, along with Rodriguez's sub .200 batting
average in the postseasons of 2005 and 2006,[33] Rodriguez has drawn much
criticism in the New York area. Because of the Yankees' successful history, he
is often compared unfavorably to other Yankees greats who have performed
exceptionally well in the postseason, such as Reggie Jackson.[34]
While Rodriguez won the AL MVP award in 2005 and
played a pivotal role in the Yankees defeat of the Minnesota Twins in the 2004
ALDS, his recent postseason struggles have left fans frustrated. Rodriguez
performed well in the earlier half of the 2004 postseason, hitting .320 with 3
home runs and 5 doubles in 50 at bats, but as was the case with the team in
general, he ceased to pose an offensive threat during the final four games of
the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. The following postseason, Rodriguez went
2-for-15 in five games, went 1-for-14 against the Detroit Tigers in the 2006
postseason, and most recently, 4-for-15 against the Cleveland Indians in the
2007 postseason with six strikeouts. Through 2006, Rodriguez was a paltry
4-for-41 (.098 batting average) with no RBI in his last 12 postseason games.[35]
Much of the criticism regarding Rodriguez is
focused upon his alleged inability to produce hits in clutch situations.[36][37]
However, during the 2003-05 regular seasons, Rodriguez posted a .371 batting
average with the bases loaded and maintained an on base percentage of .422. In
2006, his numbers improved to .474 and .500 respectively. In 2007, through July
14 he hit .444 and .455, respectively. Additionally, Rodriguez's other batting
lines during this period included a .432 average with a runner on third (.333 in
2006), .381 with a runner in scoring position (.302 in 2006), and .392 with a
runner in scoring position and 2 outs (.313 in 2006; .333 in 2007 through July
14).[38]
In May 2006, Rodriguez responded to the criticism
directed at him, saying:
“ "I could [sic] care less. In my career, I've been
hearing it for a long time. It will never stop until you win five or six World
Series in a row, and hit a Joe Carter home run. I've done a lot of special
things in this game, and for none of that to be considered clutch, it's an
injustice. I don't take anything personally; I enjoy it, it motivates me and I
think it's comical. I think [for] anyone that drives in over 130 runs numerous
times in his career, it's impossible not to be clutch."[39] ”
In an issue of Sports Illustrated, Rodriguez
surmised further reasons why he has become an apparent magnet for criticism,
saying:
“ "When people write [bad things] about me, I don't
know if it's [because] I'm good-looking, I'm biracial, I make the most money, I
play on the most popular team."[40] ”
In that same issue of Sports Illustrated, Rodriguez
took criticism for suggesting that the Boston Red Sox were his first choice:
“ "I would have preferred to play in Boston at the
time. I thought it was the best team and city for us. But I am happy here now,
and that is what matters."[40] ”
Nonetheless, sportswriters, fans, and teammates
have continued to debate Alex Rodriguez's performance in the clutch. Some
writers such as the New York Post's Joel Sherman have asked, "How do you
disregard your eyes completely? How do you ignore that at the most intense
moments Rodriguez seems to be carrying his 32-ounce bat and the weight of the
world into each at-bat?"[41] In the same issue of Sports Illustrated cited
earlier, teammate Jason Giambi also criticized Rodriguez, remarking:"...you've
got to get the big hit."[40] However, Rodriguez and Giambi implied that the
story was taken out of context, with Giambi claiming that his comments were part
of a "pep talk", and not an argument, because he "was just trying to find a way
to help him out."[42] Rodriguez agreed, "This is the most support I've ever
gotten from any team. I couldn't be more proud."
According to Yankee manager Joe Torre's 2009 book,
The Yankee Years, Rodriguez earned the nickname "A-Fraud" from teammates and
particularly from clubhouse attendants who were said to resent his demands.[43]
"It was [said] in front of him," Torre later said of the nickname. “A lot of
that stuff that went on in the clubhouse was more tongue-in-cheek, fun type
stuff,” he explained.[44]
Steroid
use
In July 2007, former outfielder and steroid-user
José Canseco said that he was planning to publish another book about Major
League Baseball, to follow his 2005 bestseller Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant
'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big. Canseco said his new book would have
"other stuff" on Rodriguez, and called him a hypocrite.[45] At the time,
Rodriguez denied accusations of steroid use.[46] In a 2007 interview with Katie
Couric, Rodriguez flatly denied ever having used performance-enhancing
drugs.[47]
In February 2009, Selena Roberts and David Epstein
of Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez had tested positive for two
anabolic steroids, testosterone and Primobolan, during his 2003 season playing
for the Texas Rangers, the same season in which he captured his first American
League Most Valuable Player award, broke 300 career home runs (hitting 47 runs
that year[48]), and earned one of his ten Silver Slugger Awards. The information
had been part of a government-sealed report detailing 104 major league players
(out of 1200 players tested[12]) who tested positive for performance enhancers
during a 2003 drug survey. Approved by the players themselves with the promise
of anonymity,[12] the survey was conducted by Major League Baseball to see
whether a mandatory drug testing program might be necessary. At the time, as the
result of a collectively-bargained union agreement,[12] there was no penalty or
punishment for a positive test.[11][49] Because more than 5% of the samples
taken from players in 2003 came back positive, mandatory testing of major league
baseball players began in 2004, with penalties for violations.[13]
The 2003 test results were supposed to remain
anonymous and the samples destroyed. However, a coded master list of 104 players
was seized during the BALCO investigation, turning up in a 2004 federal raid on
Comprehensive Drug Testing's facility in Long Beach, California. A month later,
the physical samples were seized by federal agents raiding Quest Diagnostics in
Las Vegas, Nevada.[13] The list of the 104 positive-testing players was released
to the Major League Baseball Player's Association (MLBPA) in 2004.[5][50] The
players' union later said that the 104 positive samples were in the process of
being destroyed when they were subpoenaed by federal authorities in November
2003, making continued destruction "improper."[50]
Although testosterone is available by prescription
for some uses, Primobolan has no approved prescription use.[11] Also known as
methenolone or metenolone enanthate, it is the same steroid that Barry Bonds is
alleged to have tested positive for in 2000 and 2001.[13] A fairly weak steroid
on its own, it is generally used in conjunction with other steroids.[51] The
drug is generally preferred in injected rather than oral form due to its
cost.[51] An official statement by Major League Baseball made shortly after
Rodriguez's test results became public expressed "grave concern" without naming
Rodriguez, noting that "because the survey testing that took place in 2003 was
intended to be non-disciplinary and anonymous, we can not make any comment on
the accuracy of this report as it pertains to the player named."[52]
In an interview with ESPN after the report came
out, citing "an enormous amount of pressure to perform," Rodriguez admitted to
using banned substances from 2001 to 2003.[5] "All my years in New York have
been clean,” he added, saying he has not used banned substances since last
taking them following a spring training injury in 2003 while playing for the
Rangers.[5][6] "Back then, [baseball] was a different culture," Rodriguez said.
"It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, I was naïve. And I wanted to
prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all
time. I did take a banned substance. And for that, I am very sorry and deeply
regretful."[5][6] Rodriguez said he could not be sure of the name(s) of the
substance(s) he had used.[5][6]
Rodriguez said he was never told that he was among
the 104 players who tested positive, only that a tip came in August 2004 from
Gene Orza of the MLBPA that he "may or may not have" failed his 2003
test.[5][50] Orza is accused by three (unnamed) MLB players of tipping Rodriguez
to an upcoming drug test in September 2004.[50] Orza and the MLBPA have denied
the allegations.[53]
Rodriguez absolved the players' union of any blame
for leaking his positive test results, saying he alone was responsible for his
mistakes.[5] Friend and former teammate Doug Glanville, while noting the outrage
over Rodriguez's years of steroid use, berated Rodriguez's critics for their
"lack of outrage about how a confidential and anonymous test could be made
public."[12] No Major League player, Glanville wrote, would have participated in
the 2003 survey if he had thought the results had even a chance of becoming
public. "It has everything to do with privacy. Being A-Rod should not change
that fact."[12]
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is currently in the
process of deciding whether or not to punish Alex Rodriguez for his admitted
steroid use, citing the illegality of the situation, among other things.[54]
Additionally, his admission to three years of steroid use could be damaging to
his image and legacy.[6]
Later in the month, Rodriguez called a press
conference in Tampa, Florida, and in the presence of many supportive Yankee
teammates, answered reporters' questions about his 2001-2003 steroid
use.[47][55] Rodriguez said he and a cousin (whom he refused to name) bought an
unidentified drug over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic, where it is “known
on the streets as boli or bollee.”[47][56] At Rodriguez's instruction, the
cousin transported the drug into the United States.[57] For six months of the
year, Rodriguez injected himself twice monthly with "boli" (a drug name
unfamiliar to experts and perhaps a slang term for Primobolan or Dianabol,
although the latter steroid is taken orally).[47] Rodriguez said he did not know
whether he was using the drug properly or whether it was safe.[47] Although he
"certainly felt more energy," Rodriguez said it would be "hard to say" whether
it gave him a competitive edge.[55]
Rodriguez, who reportedly employs a "cadre of image
consultants,"[47] said he would become a spokesperson for the Taylor Hooton
Foundation, which educates young people about the dangers of steroid
use.[47][55]
A few days later, the cousin who provided Rodriguez
with the steroids was identified as Yuri Sucart, a resident of Miami, Florida.
Sucart drove Rodriguez home from the first preseason game after Rodriguez's
steroid use admission on February 24, 2009; Yankees officials have since
informed Rodriguez that Sucart is not permitted at any team gathering.[58]
Personal life
Early
life
Rodriguez grew up with two half-siblings, Joe and
Suzy, who were born in the Dominican Republic and are children from his mother's
first marriage.[59] Rodriguez also has a half-brother, Victor M. Rodriguez, who
was born to Alex's father Victor Sr. and his then-wife Pouppe Martinez in
1960.[59] The couple divorced a year later, and Victor Jr. was raised by his
mother.[59] Victor Jr., who is an officer in the United States Air Force, fell
out of touch with Alex for a period of 23 years, until they met at a Texas
Rangers game in 2003.[59] Alex currently resides in Miami, Florida during the
baseball offseason.
Marriage
He married Cynthia Scurtis, a psychology graduate,
on November 2, 2002. The couple's first child, Natasha Alexander, was born on
November 18, 2004. On April 21, 2008, Cynthia gave birth to their second child,
Ella Alexander,[60] in Miami, Florida.
On May 27, 2007, Rodriguez was spotted at a Toronto
strip club with a blonde woman, later identified as Joslyn Noel Morse, an exotic
dancer with Scores Las Vegas who was featured in Playboy's 2001 magazine
"Playboy's Casting Calls."[61] The New York Post ran a picture on May 30, 2007.
Divorce
On July 2, 2008, the New York Daily News reported
that Rodriguez and his wife had separated, after having "problems" for the past
three months, since the birth of their second daughter.[62] This comes together
with rumors published in Us Weekly magazine, about a possible affair between
Rodriguez and pop singer Madonna,[63] claims Madonna later denied.[64] The
implications for A-Rod's brand were discussed on ABC News Now with brand expert
John Tantillo.[65]
ESPN reported that Cynthia Rodriguez filed for
divorce on July 7, 2008, citing "emotional abandonment" and marital infidelity
by her husband. Even though Mrs. Rodriguez signed a prenuptial agreement, the
validity of any such agreement is subject to the normal challenges of a contract
action, in addition to any limitation to private contracting imposed by New York
State family law. She sought alimony, distribution of assets, child support
including private school tuition, life and health insurance, and retention of
the couple's $12-million marital home in Coral Gables, Florida.[66][67]
Marketing
Rodriguez owns a Mercedes-Benz dealership in League
City, Texas.[68]
Rodriguez is featured in a commercial for Guitar
Hero World Tour, where he plays the guitar along with athletes Tony Hawk on
drums, Kobe Bryant on vocals, and Michael Phelps on guitar. The commercial is a
spoof of the scene from Risky Business where Tom Cruise is dancing to "Old Time
Rock and Roll".[69]
Awards
and honors
12-time AL All-Star
7× (SS) (1996–98, 2000–03)
5× (3B) (2004–08)
3-time AL MVP (2003, 2005, 2007)
10-time AL Silver Slugger Award
7× (SS) (1996, 1998–2003)
3× (3B) (2005, 2007, 2008)
4-time AL Hank Aaron Award (2001–03, 2007)
2-time Seattle Mariners Player of the Year (1998,
2000)
2-time Baseball America MLB Player of the Year
(2000, 2002)
4-time Baseball America 1st-Team Major League
All-Star (SS) (1998, 2000–03)
3-time Texas Rangers Player of the Year (2001–03)
2-time AL Gold Glove Award (SS) (2002, 2003)
2-time The Sporting News Player of the Year (2002,
2007)
1993 1st Team High School All-American (IF)
1994 Seattle Mariners Minor League Player of the
Year
1994 Midwest League All-Star (SS)
1995 Baseball America 1st Team Minor League
All-Star (SS)
1995 Triple-A All-Star (SS)
1996 The Sporting News Player of the Year
2005 Baseball America 1st-Team Major League
All-Star (3B)
2007 TYIB Hitter of the Year
2007 Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Year
Achievements
5-time AL Runs Leader (1996, 2001, 2003, 2005,
2007)
4-time AL Total Bases Leader (1996, 2001, 2002,
2007)
5-time AL Home Run Title (2001-2003, 2005, 2007)
2-time AL RBI Title (2002, 2007)
2-time AL OPS Leader (2005, 2007)
4-time AL Slugging Percentage Leader (2003, 2005,
2007, 2008)
1996 AL Batting Title
1996 AL Doubles Leader
1998 AL Hits Leader
2001 AL Extra-Base Hits Leader
Records
Major League Records
Record Total Season
Most runs in a season (SS) 141 1996
Most extra base hits in a season (SS) 91 1996
Highest slugging percentage in a season (SS) .631
1996
Most total bases in a season (SS) 393 2001
Most home runs in a season (SS) 57 2002
Most home runs in the month of April (tied) 14 2007
Fastest to 12 home runs in a season (tied) 15 Gms
2007
Fastest to 13 and 14 home runs in a season 18 Gms
2007
Most home runs by a New York-born player 553
1994-Present
Youngest ever to hit 500 home runs 32y, 8d 2007
Most home runs by a third baseman (season) 52† 2007
Most stolen bases in a 50-home run season 24 (tied
with Willie Mays) 2007
†: He hit 2 home runs as a DH in the 2007 season.
American League Records
Record Total Season(s)
Most home runs in consecutive seasons (RH) 109
2001-2002
Most home runs in the month of April 14 2007
Fastest to 10 home runs in a season 14 Gms 2007
Fastest to 12 home runs in a season 15 Gms 2007
New York Yankees Records
Record Total Season(s)
Most home runs in a season at home (RH) 26 2005,
2007
Most home runs in a season (RH) 54 2007
Career
statistics
Year Age Team Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO
BA OBP SLG OPS TB SH SF IBB HBP GDP
1994 18 Seattle AL 17 54 4 11 0 0 0 2 3 0 3 20 .204
.241 .204 .445 11 1 1 0 0 0
1995 19 Seattle AL 48 142 15 33 6 2 5 19 4 2 6 42
.232 .264 .408 .672 58 1 0 0 0 0
1996 20 Seattle AL 146 601 141 215 54 1 36 123 15 4
59 104 .358 .414 .631 1.045 379 6 7 1 4 15
1997 21 Seattle AL 141 587 100 176 40 3 23 84 29 6
41 99 .300 .350 .496 .846 291 4 1 1 5 14
1998 22 Seattle AL 161 686 123 213 35 5 42 124 46
13 45 121 .310 .360 .560 .920 384 3 4 0 10 12
1999 23 Seattle AL 129 502 110 143 25 0 42 111 21 7
56 109 .285 .357 .586 .943 294 1 8 2 5 12
2000 24 Seattle AL 148 554 134 175 34 2 41 132 15 4
100 121 .316 .420 .606 1.026 336 0 11 5 7 10
2001 25 Texas AL 162 632 133 201 34 1 52 135 18 3
75 131 .318 .399 .622 1.021 393 0 9 6 16 17
2002 26 Texas AL 162 624 125 187 27 2 57 142 9 4 87
122 .300 .392 .623 1.015 389 0 4 12 10 14
2003 27 Texas AL 161 607 124 181 30 6 47 118 17 3
87 126 .298 .396 .600 .996 364 0 6 10 15 16
2004 28 New York AL 155 601 112 172 24 2 36 106 28
4 80 131 .286 .375 .512 .887 308 0 7 6 10 18
2005 29 New York AL 162 605 124 194 29 1 48 130 21
6 91 139 .321 .421 .610 1.031 369 0 3 8 16 8
2006 30 New York AL 154 572 113 166 26 1 35 121 15
4 90 139 .290 .392 .523 .915 299 0 4 8 8 22
2007 31 New York AL 158 583 143 183 31 0 54 156 24
4 95 120 .314 .422 .645 1.067 376 0 9 11 21 15
2008 32 New York AL 138 510 104 154 33 0 35 103 18
3 65 117 .302 .392 .573 .965 292 0 5 9 14 16
Totals: 2,042 7,860 1,605 2,404 428 26 553 1,606
283 67 980 1,641 .306 .389 .578 .967 4,543 16 79 79 141 189
Roll over stat abbreviations for definitions. Stats
through September 28, 2008.[70]
See also
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related
to: Alex Rodriguez
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Alex
Rodriguez
50 home run club
500 home run club
30-30 club
40-40 club
Hitting for the cycle
MLB players who have hit 30 or more home runs
before the All-Star break
List of top 500 Major League Baseball home run
hitters
List of Major League Baseball players with 2000
hits
List of Major League Baseball players with 1000
runs
List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 RBI
List of Major League Baseball Home Run Records
List of Major League Baseball RBI Records
List of Major League Baseball RBI champions
List of Major League Baseball batting champions
List of Major League Baseball home run champions
List of Major League Baseball runs scored champions
List of Major League Baseball doubles champions
Major League Baseball hitters with three home runs
in one game
Major League Baseball titles leaders
List of doping cases in sport
Notes
and references
1.
^ Allen Barra (2006-08-29). "Alex
Rodriguez is one of the greatest Yankees ever". Village Voice. http://villagevoice.com/nyclife/0635,barra,74310,15.html.
2.
^ Stan McNeal (2008-01-17). "Alex the
greatest for the second straight year, general managers put A-Rod at the top
of our list of baseball's 50 best players". Sporting News. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_14_228/ai_114985740.
3.
^ Gary Graves (2008-01-17). "Players tab
Bonds as game's best player". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/02allstar/2002-07-09-survey.htm.
4.
^ "Site of The New York Yankees: News:
Yankees finalize deal with A-Rod".
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071213&content_id=2324707&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.
5.
^ a b c d e f g h i Gammons, Peter
(2009-02-09). "A-Rod admits, regrets use of PEDs". ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3894847. Retrieved on
2009-02-09.
6.
^ a b c d e f Schmidt, Michael S.
(2009-02-09). "Rodriguez Admits to Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs". New
York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/sports/baseball/10rodriguez.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-09.
7.
^ Alex Rodriguez - Jockbio
8.
^ Joe Sheehan (2001-09-07). "Aurilia
makes sure Giants aren't one-man show". ESPN.com.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/bp/1249068.html.
9.
^ David Schoenfield (2003-11-17). "The
List: Most controversial MVPs". ESPN.com.
http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/MVPcontroversy.html?partnersite=espn.
10.
^ "Single-Season Leaders & Records for
Home Runs". Baseball-Reference.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/HR_season.shtml. Retrieved on
2007-07-20.
11.
^ a b c d "Alex Rodriguez tested
positive for steroids in 2003". Sports Illustrated. February 2009.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/02/07/alex-rodriguez-steroids/index.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-07. By Selena Roberts and David Epstein.
12.
^ a b c d e f "Understanding A-Rod". New
York Times. 2009-02-09.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/opinion/09glanville.html. Retrieved on
2009-02-10. Op-Extra Guest Columnist.
13.
^ a b c d Schmidt, Michael S.
(2009-02-07). "Alex Rodriguez Said to Test Positive in 2003". New York
Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/sports/baseball/08arod.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-07.
14.
^ Tyler Kepner (2006-11-16). "Rodriguez
Says He’s Committed to Yankees". The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/16/sports/baseball/16arod.html?ex=1321333200&en=9041663c08366417&ei=5088.
15.
^ Sports Illustrated, 23 April 2007
16.
^ Bryan Hoch (2007-04-07). "A-Rod
rescues Yanks". MLB.com.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070407&content_id=1884768&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.
17.
^ AP (2007-04-07). "A-Rod blasts two
homers, has six RBIs in Yankees win". ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270407110.
18.
^ AP (2007-04-10). "A-Rod sets tone
early with sixth homer of season". ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270410109.
19.
^ ESPN - Magazine reports Boras had
talks with Cubs bidder - MLB
20.
^ A-Rod Hits 500th HR As Yanks Beat
Royals - Netscape Sports
21.
^ MLB - awards - Yahoo! Sports
22.
^ ESPN - A-Rod wins third MVP but denied
unanimous selection - MLB
23.
^ ESPN - A-Rod doesn't want to leave NY
next season - MLB
24.
^ AROD.com - News
25.
^ MLB official site: Instant replay used
for first time
26.
^ "Salary Database: Alex Rodriguez" (in
English). USA Today.
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=53.
27.
^ The Official Site of Major League
Baseball: News: Is A-Rod worth the money?
28.
^ SportingNews.com
29.
^ SPORTS OF THE TIMES; Rodriguez Is a
Bauble A Champion Doesn't Need - New York Times
30.
^ The Biz of Baseball:: Part of the
Business of Sports Network - Brattain: Waterloo
31.
^ Fall From Grace - The Hardball Times
32.
^ Alex Rodriguez | People Search | Wink
33.
^ baseball-reference.com, Alex
Rodriguez, accessed January 26, 2007
34.
^ msnbc.com, Yanks are ‘stuck’ with
A-Rod, Reggie says, accessed January 26, 2007
35.
*Tyler Kepner, BASEBALL; A Whiff of
Futility And Rodriguez Can't Breathe Easy, New York Times August 29, 2006
36.
*msnbc.com, Alex Rodriguez dropped to
No. 8 spot for first time in decade, accessed January 26, 2007
37.
*washingtonpost.com, Choi's Blast Leads
Korea to Win Over United States, accessed January 26, 2007
38.
*msnbc.com, Boss's criticism of A-Rod is
long overdue, accessed January 26, 2007
·
Kepner, Tyler. E-ticket: King of
Gotham?, espn.com, accessed October 3, 2007.
39.
^ cbs.sportsline.com, Cashman says
Yankees have no intention of trading A-Rod, accessed February 7, 2007
40.
^ askmen.com, Alex Rodriguez, accessed
January 26, 2007
41.
^ cbssportsline.com, A-Rod's postseason
funk continues in Game 2 loss, accessed January 26, 2007
42.
^ "Alex Rodriguez Player Card".
ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=5275&type=batting3.
43.
^ Mark Feinsand (2006-05-24). "A-Rod
sticks it to Sox". MLB.com.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060523&content_id=1467896&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.
44.
^ a b c Tom Verducci (2006-09-25).
"A-Rod Agonistes". Sports Illustrated.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/magazine/09/19/arod0925/5.html.
45.
^ Joel Sherman, Time to Face Facts:
A-Rod Simply Doesn't have 'It', New York Post, June 6, 2006
46.
^ Tyler Kepner (2006-09-20). "As Yankees
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http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B05E4DF1131F933A1575AC0A9609C8B63.
47.
^ Schmidt, Michael S. (2009-01-26). "In
Torre’s Book, Rodriguez Comments Stand Out". New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/sports/baseball/26torre.html. Retrieved on
2009-01-26.
48.
^ Robinson, Joshua (2009-02-03). "Fans
Like Up for Book, and Torre Talks". New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/sports/baseball/04torre.html. Retrieved on
2009-02-03.
49.
^ ESPN - A-Rod has no comment on
Canseco's words about new book - MLB
50.
^ A-Rod denies using
performance-enhancers - Baseball - MSNBC.com
51.
^ a b c d e f g Kepner, Tyler
(2009-02-17). "As Team Looks On, Rodriguez Details His Use of Steroids". New
York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/sports/baseball/18yankees.html. Retrieved
on 2009-02-17.
52.
^ Araton, Harvey (2009-02-07). "Yankees
Pay for Rodriguez in More Ways Than One".
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/sports/baseball/08sotaraton.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-07.
53.
^ "Report: A-Rod tested positive for
steroids in '03". AP. 2008-02-07. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29068677/.
Retrieved on 2008-02-07.
54.
^ a b c d Azpiri, Jon (2009-02-08).
"Gene Orza Of MLBPA Accused of Tipping Off A-Rod About Drug Tests". Sports
Illustrated.
http://www.nowpublic.com/sports/gene-orza-mlbpa-accused-tipping-rod-about-drug-tests.
Retrieved on 2009-02-09.
55.
^ a b Prunty, Brendan (2009-02-07).
"What is Primobolan?". Star-Ledger.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/02/what_is_primobolan.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-07.
56.
^ "Major League Baseball Statement".
2009-02-07.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/sports/MLB_Statement_020709.pdf.
Retrieved on 2009-02-07.
57.
^ Schmidt, Michael S. (2009-02-09).
"Union Official Says He Did Not Tip Off Rodriguez". New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/sports/baseball/10orza.html. Retrieved on
2009-02-10.
58.
^
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3900961
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^ a b c Schwarz, Alan (2009-02-17). "As
It Happened: The A-Rod News Conference". New York Times.
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/as-it-happens-watching-a-rod/.
Retrieved on 2009-02-17.
60.
^ Rodriguez, Alex (2009-02-17).
"Rodriguez Statement on Drug Use". New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/sports/baseball/17arod-statement.html.
Retrieved on 2009-02-17.
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^ Hoch, Bryan (2008-02-18). "Jeter
defends A-Rod, attacks critics". MLB.com.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090218&content_id=3844658.
Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
62.
^ A-Rod Told to Keep Cousin from
Ballpark Yahoo Sports, February 26, 2009
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Rodriguez Are Worlds Apart", The New York Times, published September 4,
2007, accessed September 5, 2007.
64.
^ NEW DAD A-ROD MAY DH TONIGHT
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^ ESPN website
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68.
^ ESPN.com.
69.
^ "Money Matters: Does Bad Press Affect
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70.
^ "Rodriguez's wife reportedly filing
for divorce on Monday". ESPN.com. 2008-07-06. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3475674.
71.
^ Cynthia Rodriguez files for the big D
from A-Rod, citing adultery! | The Dish Rag | Los Angeles Times
72.
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73.
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^ "Alex Rodriguez Statistics".
Baseball-Reference. http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodrial01.shtml.
Retrieved on 2008-09-05.
****
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URL of Original Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Rodriguez
Date Article Copied:
March 2008
We
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