The NY Yankees have Alex Rodriguez at camp early this spring and now that he has apologized for his past PED use, manager Joe Girardi has the chance to focus on baseball and moving forward he could be a backup option at first base as a way to get A-Rod at-bats and time on the field with Chase Headley starting at third base.
Rodriguez caused a bit of a stir by showing up early, as the Yankees expected him during the week, but Girardi had no issue with him coming. According to ESPN.com, Girardi was asked about Headley and Rodriguez playing third base and he spoke about the possibility of Rodriguez playing at other positions, mentioning first base. Rodriguez was asked about the comments and said that he would be "willing to do whatever Joe wants me to try" and reiterated he wanted to help the team win this season.
Mark Teixeira has been injured over the past couple years during the season and having Rodriguez be an option at first could pay off. Headley is expected to play the majority of games at third base and if A-Rod isn't hitting, it could be a major issue. Rodriguez said that there are no issues between him and Headley and that he will prepare as if he is going to play every day for the Yankees.
The Yankees are coming into the season with high expectations and after missing the playoffs two years in a row, there will be pressure to return. A-Rod is a lightning rod, no pun intended, and he will be the main story no matter how the Yankees play. If Rodriguez is struggling to start the season, there is a chance the Yankees could make a drastic move, but they owe him $61 million and that is a lot to pay to make someone go away.
Of course the Yankees could look at doing that to try and avoid all the drama this season, but it's more likely they ride it out. As much as Rodriguez has been an issue for the team, he also possesses the skills to turn it around and that is what the Yankees are hoping. The team and A-Rod have battled over numerous things the past year, but now that he is in spring training, all the focus is on baseball for Rodriguez and the Yankees.
Rodriguez is saying all the right things and the Yankees have been welcoming (sort of) and Girardi will have to figure out how best to use A-Rod. Chase Headley is going to be the main third baseman and that could leave Rodriguez as the DH, but if he isn't hitting, what happens? The team may use him as a backup first base option, but that is a position he has never played in the bigs. The Yankees are hoping that the returns of CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka will help the team get back to the playoffs.
When asked about the possibility of playing first, A-Rod said to reporters: "Umm, I haven't taken any [grounders at first], I don't think, in my life." He later added: "I'm willing to try whatever Joe wants me to try."
