Now that Derek Jeter has retired, there has been a noticeable change in the mood and tone at Yankee Stadium. The coddling of Jeter was arguably the biggest reason why the Bronx Bombers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. However, the preferential treatment of Jeter is in a stark contrast to the way the Yankee brass is running things now.
The Ugly Stepchild
Alex Rodriguez is again being reminded that he is no Jeter. “A-Roid” is to attempt a comeback this season after missing all of last year, just as Jeter did in 2014 after missing most of 2013. Yankee general manager Brian Cashman has already remarked about how lousy Rodriguez’s defense was in 2013, something that he would never have said about Jeter’s weak glove at the end of his career. Adding insult to injury was the contract to Chase Hadley for $52 which essentially fired Rodriguez from his third base position in the most humiliating way possible.
Shame into Retirement?
The way the Yankees have dissed A-Rod compared to Jeter is as clear of an indicator as any that they are sending Rodriguez not-so-subtle hints about retiring. Actions speak louder than words and in the case of Alex Rodriguez it could not be more clear that he is not wanted nor welcome in the Bronx anymore. There is but one problem with trying to shame Alex Rodriguez: There is nothing in his past that indicates he is capable of reacting well to this kind of treatment.
Rookie Status
If Rodriguez remains on the Yankees roster and gets any playing time it will be because he earned it. This is in stark contrast to Jeter, who was entitled to stay on as starting shortstop despite his subpar play, damaging the Yankees and their playoff prospects in the process. And when Jeter failed to answer the bell to take the field, he was allowed to be a designated hitter even though he was among the least productive hitters in the American League. Rodriguez has no such entitlement status. In essence Rodriguez will enter training camp as a 39-year-old rookie.
The Only Chance for A-Rod
Rodriguez will need to get over himself and play the role of a player that is willing to “take one for the team” even if it is not in how own personal interest.
Fans Win
Prices to attend the new Yankee Stadium border on extortionist. It costs a small fortune just to sit in the top deck or the outfield. Yet despite fans being held up for bad seats the Yankees failed to deliver their best effort to win the AL pennant because it was more important to them to coddle Jeter. Hopefully, they learned that such pampering of a legend is something that they can never do again.
