While Alex Rodriguez is dealing with a whirlwind of allegations over PEDs, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner is voicing his concern over the troubled third baseman. Rodriguez is currently being tied to the Biogenesis records published last week listing him as a player involved with the clinic allegedly distributing PEDs to baseball players.
"There's a concern, but it's out of our hands. We'll cooperate with MLB any way we can or we are asked to. But other than that there's not much to say. You guys know as much as I do," Steinbrenner said about the situation.
The Miami News Times said late last month that the three-time AL MVP bought human growth hormones and other performance-enhancing drugs in recent years from Biogenesis of America, LLC. The now-closed clinic is known for anti-ageing treatments but has also been linked to handing out PEDs to athletes. The report states Anthony Bosch, the clinic's owner, personally injected Rodriguez in his home. Rodriguez has an off season home near the clinic.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman spoke about Rodriguez's situation saying that nothing will change as far as his status with the team. He believes everyone derives due processes and the team just has to let the story play out.
"He's a Yankee and nothing we know today changes that," Cashman said.
Cashman said it is a very nasty sotry with nasty allegations, but the team must be patient. Accuracies and innaccuracies must first be sorted out so the team can look at all the facts.
Rodriguez is not the only player to have his name linked to the clinic. Yankees' catcher Francisco Cervelli has also been linked with the clinic and has said he will speak about the matter at spring training. Ryan Braun has also been listed in connection with the clinic, but said it was only for business purposes to help him fight a PED allegation in the past.
A spokesman for Rodriguez has come out and said "the allegations are not true." Rodriguez himself also said they were not true, but has not spoken on the matter any further.
A few Yankees' teammates have come out in support of the third baseman. First baseman Mark Teixeira said he will welcome back Rodriguez no matter what. Closer Mariano Rivera said he will embrace his teammate and support him.
"He wears the uniform, that New York Yankees uniform, and I have to go out and be there for him. Besides, he's my friend and I will respect and wait for him to give you the answer that you want," Rivera said.
Team captain Derek Jeter said he will not speak on the Rodriguez matter until Rodriguez first speaks about the allegations. Rodriguez is currently healing from offseason hip surgery and likely to miss the entire 2013 season.