Alex Rodriguez vs. Nationals: Stats, Highlights, Reaction from Spring Training
March 8, 2015 · Tyler Conway · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Alex Rodriguez will probably never be so much as a replacement-level defender for the rest of his career. That much is clear. But if his solid offensive start to the spring continues, the New York Yankees could still recoup some value on his onerous contract.
Playing third base for the first time since arriving in Florida, Rodriguez went 1-for-2 at the plate before leaving in the sixth inning with the Yankees ahead, 2-1.
The former MVP drilled his first extra-base hit of the spring in the second inning, taking Nationals starter Doug Fister to right field for a ground-rule double. Garrett Jones and Chris Young each grounded out in their subsequent attempts to drive Rodriguez in, stranding him at third.
Rodriguez’s second at-bat, however, wasn’t so promising. Minor leaguer Sammy Solis, who has spent most of his career struggling to get past Single-A ball, sent three straight pitches past a swinging Rodriguez to record a strikeout. It was Rodriguez’s second strikeout in six plate appearances so far this spring. He was taken out for Jonathan Galvez after the fifth inning.
While we’d seen Rodriguez at the plate, Sunday was notable for his return to the field. Having served as a designated hitter in his first two spring training games, manager Joe Girardi penciled in Rodriguez at the hot corner for the first time. He hadn’t played the position during competition since September 2013.
“He says he’s good,” Girardi told reporters. “The fact when I asked him, ‘What about third base?’ he said, ‘I’m ready, whatever you want.’ [That] tells me he’s feeling pretty good.”
Rodriguez largely looked fine in his return to the field, making an assist in the third inning on a Tyler Moore grounder. The Nationals otherwise stayed away, which is probably a good thing given Rodriguez’s defensive limitations at this point. Once one of the league’s best shortstops and perhaps its best defensive third baseman early in his Yankees career, a degenerative hip condition and natural aging have turned Rodriguez into a defensive liability.
With Chase Headley signed to a long-term deal, it’s unlikely Rodriguez plays much at third base during the regular season. They are also planning on testing him out at first, a position he’s never played but one that will allow them to open up the designated-hitter spot when other players need a rest.
“I think he’s paying attention and trying to learn,” Girardi told reporters last month. “He’s never taken balls over there. He’s never seen what a bunt defense looks like over there. I think he’s trying to take it all in, and that’s going to take some time.”
Girardi has given no indication when he plans on trying Rodriguez at first base this spring. Given his willingness to get out in the field and play third already, it’s likely we’ll see A-Rod move to the opposite end of the diamond when his body feels up to it.
That said, the Yankees’ overarching hope is that a modicum of Rodriguez’s once-prodigious power comes back this season. Sunday’s double against one of baseball’s most reliable arms is the best sign yet there might be something left in the tank.
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