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| 2 |
The New York Yankees trail the Detroit Tigers, 3-0, in the American League Championship Series. Third baseman and Hall of Fame resume holder Alex Rodriguez (.272, 18 HR, 57 RBI) has struggled in the series, badly, going 1 for 7 in the series and hitless against right handed pitchers. Rodriguez was scratched from the lineup for Games 3 and 4. Game for was postponed until today due to weather concerns, but A-Rod is expected to be on the bench when the game starts.
The sports media have poured generous amount of blame on Rodriguez. Following the Game 4 scratch, rumors have been rampant that the Yankees are seeking to deal Rodriguez, and the reported $114 million owed to him on the remaining 5 years of his contract, even if the Yankees would have to absorb up to 80% of the money owed. Those are the breaks of the game!
Just imagine, if Rodriguez just got his act together, the Bronx Bombers would be just a game away from returning to their first World Series in three years. Let’s have a look at Rodriguez’s performance in this series and contrast it to everyone else in pinstripes who is stepping his game up only to be let down by A-Rod.
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
(1-7, 3 Ks, .143 BA, .143 OBP, .143 SLG)
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| These ladies are thrilled to be leaving the stadium holding A-Rod's balls. 1 |
(0-10, 6 Ks, .000 BA, .167 OBP, .000 SLG) – A-Rod is holding him back.
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| If you don't succeed the first 10 times, try again. 3 |
(1-14, 2Ks, .071 BA, .067 OBP, .071 SLG) – If Rodriguez just instilled a little more fear in opposing pitchers, they wouldn’t be so aggressive with Cano.
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| Cano is too valuable defensively to remove from the lineup. It didn't help him much in Game 2. Besides, defense isn't the problem. 4 |
Mark Teixeira, 1B
(3-12, .250 BA, .333 SLG, 0 RBI) – See, this isn’t a putrid stat line at all (it isn’t really “good”, either). If only A-Rod had driven him home, this series would be headed back to New York.
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| Teixeira is putting the team on his back with three singles! 5 |
Nick Swisher, RF
(2-8, 3 Ks, .250 BA, .375 SLG, 0 RBI) – Now THERE is leadership with the stick. Too bad A-Rod is killing the strong momentum!
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| I can hear NBC Dateline's Chris Hansen telling Swisher to, "Have a seat," after all of the strikeouts. 6 |
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| The Yankees should keep in mind that when you point one finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at you! 7 |
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1) Image from www.sportsgrindent.com
2) Image from www.elitedaily.com
3) Image from www.bleacherreport.com
4) Image from www.washingtonpost.com
5) Image from www.beesball.com
6) Image from www.usatoday.com
7) Image from www.thefiringline.com
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