Jared Max: A-Rod's Return Comes With Predictable Drama
By Jared Max
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Alex Rodriguez is the most dependable professional athlete -- when it comes to being a story well that never runs dry.
Days after releasing a handwritten apology to Yankees fans, Rodriguez may have created another reason to say he's sorry to his bosses. Breaking protocol for players who arrive early at spring training, Rodriguez failed to inform Yankees management that he planned to be in camp Monday. Instead his itinerary was leaked to the media. General manager Brian Cashman was caught off guard when asked by reporters about Rodriguez's presence. Cashman said that he, nor manager Joe Girardi nor bench coach Rob Thompson were made aware of Rodriguez's plan. Cashman said that the team texted him, and Alex replied, asking if it would be OK if he worked out at the team's minor league complex. He was given permission but told he would first have to take his physical.
Rodriguez reportedly hit six home runs on 71 swings in batting practice Monday. Then he met with fans and spoke to reporters, many of whom had waited several hours to talk to him. Knowing Alex's past and penchant for telling lies, he was asked point-blank, "Are you on any illegal performance enhancers right now?" He responded, "No." Then he was asked if he is confident he can succeed without using substances he had used in the past. A-Rod responded, "I am confident that if I stay healthy I can do some good things."
Did Alex do a bad thing by not informing management of his plans? Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com characterized this mistake as "a very small misdemeanor in the scope of things." Still, Rodriguez is in no position to step an inch out of the baseline. Heyman added, "If he said he's going to give open communication to the team, he should probably stick to that."
Jon Heyman On A-Rod
Alex Rodriguez's soil is so fertile that he requires minimal water to yield the juiciest crops. While this was only the first day of the 2015 A-Rod Chronicles, I saw enough to know that exciting chapters lie ahead.
Alex's unmatched knack for producing headlines reminds me of Robin Williams' availability when it came to tapping into creativity -- it was always there.
Jared Max is a multi-award winning sportscaster. He hosted a No. 1 rated New York City sports talk show, "Maxed Out" — in addition to previously serving as longtime Sports Director at WCBS 880, where he currently anchors weekend sports. Follow and communicate with Jared on Twitter @jared_max.
