Girardi Says A-Rod Distraction Will Not Hamper Yankees' Preparation For Season
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- No matter how much the Yankees don't want Alex Rodriguez's return to baseball to be a distraction at spring training, this isn't their first rodeo. They know it will be and they are prepared for it.
That's because big stories come with the territory when you're the most successful franchise in the history of American sports. And as far as manager Joe Girardi is concerned, nothing will stop his players from getting their work done.
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As pitchers and catchers converged on Steinbrenner Field on Friday to mark the beginning of preparations for the 2015 season, Girardi met the media and he dealt with the A-Rod question early and often, just as he expected.
"One of the things I learned in 1996 when I came here was this is a different place," Girardi said. "It's different when you put on a New York Yankee uniform. You are with one of the most recognizable companies in the world. And with that comes a lot of media coverage, a lot of questions you have to answer. And for some players it takes some time to adjust. Some players adjust really quickly and some don't adjust so well. But that's part of the gig here. And for the new players who are here who aren't used to this, they are going to get it right away. They are going to get baptized very quickly."
It seemed Girardi had been mentally planning for Friday for a while, or at least since Rodriguez decided not to accept the Yankees' offer to have his apology press conference at Yankee Stadium prior to the open of spring training. He instead released to the media a hand-written note, which appeared to put to bed any chance of a quiet return following his season-long suspension for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy.
"I think people are still anxious to see him, what he looks like and how he's moving and how he's performing and they are going to ask questions," Girardi said. "My job is to make sure that we get all of our work in, and we will do that as a coaching staff.
"As far as him being a distraction, if you're with the New York Yankees you need to learn how to deal with situations like this, because it's going to happen," the manager added. "And if you are here for a five-year period, you are going to see it maybe eight, nine, 10 times. There's been big stories before and we've dealt with it. And I believe we have enough veterans in that clubhouse to show kids the way and they'll help them out.
"Our guys will just go about their business and they'll go play. I think it's a bigger story outside of our clubhouse than it is inside of our clubhouse."
During the offseason, general manager Brian Cashman told members of the media, including WFAN's Mike Francesa, that A-Rod's days as an everyday fielder are over, especially since the Yankees signed veteran third baseman Chase Headley to a four-year contract. Rodriguez, who will turn 40 this summer, will likely see his playing time as a designated hitter.
"He's on our roster, but you have to prove yourself in the sense of playing time," Girardi said. "We haven't seen him play in two years."
Girardi plans to talk with A-Rod about working out at first base, which could allow other players to get time at DH during spring training. Rodriguez also could play in minor leagues exhibition games, which would allow him to bat every inning.
Girardi will speak with Rodriguez after he reports.
"I can have the conversion over the phone, but I can't see his face and his reaction to it," Girardi said.
Rodriguez apologized to team officials in person during a meeting at Yankee Stadium on Feb. 10. They suggested he hold a news conference before the start of spring training and offered the use of the ballpark, but Rodriguez declined and issued a written apology this week.
"A person's approach is the way they feel most comfortable about doing it," Girardi said. "I think he apologized to the game. Steroids has hurt this game, and it's changed the way that we look at a lot of things in this game. It saddens me."
With New York seeking its first World Series title since 2009, Rodriguez is among a group of older players that includes Mark Teixeira (34), Brian McCann (31) and Carlos Beltran (37).
Still, CC Sabathia is coming off knee surgery and the Yankees don't know if right-hander Masahiro Tanaka's elbow will hold up following a partial ligament tear that sidelined him for 2 1/2 months during his first season with New York.
The Yankees started last season with the oldest average roster age in the major leagues at 31 years, 225 days, according to STATS, and made several moves to get younger.
Nathan Eovaldi (24) is expected to be in the starting rotation, while Didi Gregorius (25) likely will get most of the playing time at shortstop.
Dellin Betances (26), coming off a strong rookie year, and Andrew Miller are the top contenders to replace departed closer David Robertson.
"I think we've added a lot of good young arms," Girardi said. "Added some good young players as well. I think we've really seen an improvement in our young minor league players and the impact they are capable of having. I think we will continue to see that for years to come."
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