By - Jaquan Murphy
In a city where "what have you done for me lately?" is the primary basis for fan support, Alex Rodriguez is far behind the 8-ball.
Granted, when A-Rod first arrived in the Big Apple, the event itself was worthy of celebration. But at that time, Rodriguez could do no wrong. He was the prototypical franchise player; massive amounts of talent, marketable looks, charm, and an enormous contract to boot.
Year after year, Rodriguez was a beast during the regular season, but disappeared during the playoffs. Still, the regular season production was always enough to keep a good amount of fans on his side. Then came 2009, his first monster postseason in pinstripes. A championship year. A-Rod became a hero to Yankee Nation.
Unfortunately, it's been all downhill ever since
Rodriguez's numbers have steadily declined and accusations of steroid use have run rampant. In fact, in '09, he admitted to using steroids as a member of the Texas Rangers, but in many ways emerged from the ordeal fairly unscathed. No suspension or fine, just a hit to his reputation.
What has ultimately led to A-Rod's demise in New York is his diva personality, partnered with the decline in stats. More celebrity relations than clutch hits has rubbed fans the wrong way, and rightfully so. Appearing on Entertainment Tonight more than SportsCenter hasn't exactly helped matters, either. Rodriguez's numbers no longer mirror his salary, and that's when he's actually on the field, because injuries have piled up as well.
Oh yeah, not to mention every report of steroid use that comes out has his name on it.
New York sports fans are used to heartbreaking relationships with their favorite teams and players, but never anything of this nature. Supporting A-Rod has been like being with a spouse who always does you wrong, but says the right things to get you back; then turns around and does the exact same things all over again.
But this latest link to steroids is the straw that finally broke the camel's back .
Never has a team wanted to get rid of a guy as bad as the Bronx Bombers want to get rid of Rodriguez. Never has a front office shrugged at the thought of a former MVP potentially being suspended. Never has a fan base wanted a player with Hall of Fame numbers to disappear as fast as fans want A-Rod to.
It's gotten to the point where a Rodriguez suspension might be the best thing to happen to the Yankees since they won their last championship back in 2009. It would give the organization a reason to take A-Rod to court and try to break their existing contract with him, which isn't up until the end of the 2017 season.
No one had more talent than Alex Rodriguez. No one could have had a better legacy. But he threw it all away. Now, baseball as a whole is ready to show him the door. Erase him from everyone's memory. Now the bad far outweighs the good. What was once a great career is now overshadowed by bad decisions and controversy.
So it's time to go, A-Rod. It was fun while it lasted, but you've worn out your welcome. Not just in New York, but in baseball in general. Do the right thing. Retire.
In a city where "what have you done for me lately?" is the primary basis for fan support, Alex Rodriguez is far behind the 8-ball.
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| Photo by: Getty Images |
Year after year, Rodriguez was a beast during the regular season, but disappeared during the playoffs. Still, the regular season production was always enough to keep a good amount of fans on his side. Then came 2009, his first monster postseason in pinstripes. A championship year. A-Rod became a hero to Yankee Nation.
Unfortunately, it's been all downhill ever since
Rodriguez's numbers have steadily declined and accusations of steroid use have run rampant. In fact, in '09, he admitted to using steroids as a member of the Texas Rangers, but in many ways emerged from the ordeal fairly unscathed. No suspension or fine, just a hit to his reputation.
What has ultimately led to A-Rod's demise in New York is his diva personality, partnered with the decline in stats. More celebrity relations than clutch hits has rubbed fans the wrong way, and rightfully so. Appearing on Entertainment Tonight more than SportsCenter hasn't exactly helped matters, either. Rodriguez's numbers no longer mirror his salary, and that's when he's actually on the field, because injuries have piled up as well.
Oh yeah, not to mention every report of steroid use that comes out has his name on it.
New York sports fans are used to heartbreaking relationships with their favorite teams and players, but never anything of this nature. Supporting A-Rod has been like being with a spouse who always does you wrong, but says the right things to get you back; then turns around and does the exact same things all over again.
But this latest link to steroids is the straw that finally broke the camel's back .
Never has a team wanted to get rid of a guy as bad as the Bronx Bombers want to get rid of Rodriguez. Never has a front office shrugged at the thought of a former MVP potentially being suspended. Never has a fan base wanted a player with Hall of Fame numbers to disappear as fast as fans want A-Rod to.
It's gotten to the point where a Rodriguez suspension might be the best thing to happen to the Yankees since they won their last championship back in 2009. It would give the organization a reason to take A-Rod to court and try to break their existing contract with him, which isn't up until the end of the 2017 season.
No one had more talent than Alex Rodriguez. No one could have had a better legacy. But he threw it all away. Now, baseball as a whole is ready to show him the door. Erase him from everyone's memory. Now the bad far outweighs the good. What was once a great career is now overshadowed by bad decisions and controversy.
So it's time to go, A-Rod. It was fun while it lasted, but you've worn out your welcome. Not just in New York, but in baseball in general. Do the right thing. Retire.
Yeah, I would love to throw him in the East River wearing cement shoes.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that we always want those successful in life to fail so badly? I am a Yankee fan and I want to see ARod back and to prove everyone wrong. It may not happen but I hope it does. For me, the Yankees owe ARod his contract. We wanted him. No one forced him to join the Yankees except the Yankees, seriously who could turn down a contract like that? Also, he might be "out of position" at 3rd but he is still one of the best in the league. Come back Arod, and shut these people up.
ReplyDelete