New York Yankees: Alex Rodriguez’ Right Knee Aches, Who’s on Third?
July 9, 2011 · Rick Weiner · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
As first reported by Matthew Ehalt on ESPN.com, 35-year-old Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez has a slight meniscus tear in his right knee.
This is not good news, though it does explain A-Rod’s recent lack of power—the man who ranks sixth on the all-time career HR list, four behind Ken Griffey Jr.—has not gone deep since June 11 against the Cleveland Indians.
Two options sit in front of Rodriguez. Either have surgery now to repair the knee and miss at least the next month of the season or try to play through it, limiting his abilities and leaving open the possibility of tearing it further.
Granted, A-Rod at 75 percent is better then most anybody the Yankees would replace him with, including his speculated replacement in the lineup, Eduardo Nunez, who recently finished a three-week stint starting at SS for Yankees captain Derek Jeter.
Eric Chavez, the left-handed bat who was signed as a free agent to back up the Yankees corner infielders, who has been on the disabled list since May 6 with a fractured bone in his foot, has had two setbacks in his attempts to return to action, most recently an abdominal strain.
Who thought that Chavez’ injury back in May would become a larger problem for the Yankees in July?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Not I, that is for sure.
Aside from Nunez, one has to wonder if Brian Cashman will investigate acquiring a 3B via trade, ideally one who could also serve as a left-handed bat off the bench once A-Rod is cleared for action since Chavez does not seem like he will be returning anytime soon.
Possible inexpensive solutions could include the Marlins Greg Dobbs, the Royals Wilson Betemit (a former Yankee) and the Nationals Alex Cora.
None of those sound overly exciting to me.
Or does Cashman investigate a more expensive option, such as the Cubs Aramis Ramirez, a man who just a month ago said he probably would not waive his no-trade clause.
Yankees fans, please make sure your seat belts are fastened, your tray tables are locked and your seat backs are in the upright position.
The path leading to the stretch run will be experiencing more turbulence then originally forecast.
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