A-Rod: Best in Baseball?
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
Alex Rodriquez is obviously a very talented baseball player. And when looking at his individual statistics, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that he’s the best ball player in th MLB today. Many fans, announcers, and players echo that sentiment. But I disagree.
In my book, one of the most important criteria for beig a great ball player is how much you help your team. Impressive statistics are great. But the only statistic that really counts isn’t an individual stat. That’s right, it’s the big W. If your team doesn’t win, your statistics mean squat in the end.
If you don’t have chemistry with your teammates, your abilities are greatly diminished. If you can’t perform when the pressure is greatest, you’re a failure.
This is the case with Alex Rodriquez. Sure, he can really hit the ball. And he’s sure to break the home run record before he retires. But with men on base, when his team really needs him, he flounders consistently. Either he strikes out, or worse, he hits into a double play. It’s become almost predictable. In fact, I’m proposing here and now that we change his nickname to “Double Play Rod”. It’s certainly more appropriate.
The Yankees have him signed to a 10 year contract for 300 million. Is he worth it? Let’s take a look at the facts:
1) Although he is considered by many to be the best player in baseball, he has never won a world series ring.
2) Every team that he played on improved immediately after he left.
So tell me – would you want “Mr Clutch” on your team? Not me. This is a curse that follows him everywhere. He will never be a winner, and neither will the Yankees until they rid themselves of his stink.
Comments