Earlier this week the New York Yankees announced that they would hold a press conference on Sunday morning (meaning today) on the subject of Alex Rodriguez. The announcement was ominous and likely spelled bad news for the playing career of A-Rod.
As it turns out, the Yankees will be releasing their long-time third baseman/DH this Friday following one last home game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
For his part, Rodriguez said that the move wasn't his decision.
He also delivered an extremely emotional farewell, which you can watch above.
So you may be wondering: What's next for A-Rod? Well, as Ken Rosenthal reports, the Yankees will make him into a team ambassador, instructor and special advisor to the organization's co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner. He'll also collect the rest of his salary this season in addition to the guaranteed $20 million he is scheduled to make next year.
The 22-year Major League vet hasn't ruled out playing for another team, but that seems extremely unlikely at this point.
If his career is indeed over, he'll finish with 3,114 hits, 2,084 RBIs, 2,021 runs, 329 stolen bases, plus whatever happens this week. Barring a massive power surge he'll finish with 696 home runs, four shy of a number that once seemed inevitable, 700. That being said his numbers will always be the subject of debate as he was linked to a number of scandals, the biggest of which was his 162-game suspension in 2014 for being the biggest name connected to the anti-aging clinic Biogenesis.
Speaking of his new role, A-Rod said,
"I've always said I'm a teacher at heart. It's something I've done my entire career, but more specifically since 2004 when I got here to New York. It's a role I think I'm going to enjoy, and the goal never changes for us. We want to bring a world championship back to the fans of New York."
He also said he hadn't thought about managing before adding,
"The sad part is, it ended too quick, as it usually ends for most athletes who feel they can play forever. The great news is, I'm going to be in a role I think I'm going to enjoy. I'm also going to learn a lot. The fact that Hal asked me to do this is something that I'll treasure."
As you may remember, Rodriguez began with the Yankees in 2004 after being traded there by the Texas Rangers. With NY he won two MVP Awards while also making seven All-Star teams. However he had struggled (see: totally sucked) this season with a slash line of .204/.252/.356, which is pretty much what is to be expected from a 41-year-old who isn't taking PEDs.
