MLB New York Yankees

New York Yankees Wise To Try Alex Rodriguez At First Base

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By @JosephMCrevier

Alex Rodriguez

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official: Derek Jeter is out and Alex Rodriguez is in for the New York Yankees. So, it would only be logical to move A-Rod back to his original position of shortstop, correct? Well, not exactly according to GM Brian Cashman, who recently inked a three-year contract extension.

In an interview following a dismal 2014 campaign, Cashman stated that he had a conversation with manager Joe Girardi regarding Rodriguez’s future with the team, saying, “Girardi conveyed to me that he talked to him (Rodriguez) recently about getting some work at first base.” It’s certainly an unexpected plot twist as New York’s current first baseman, Mark Teixeira, has a contract with two years and nearly $47 million remaining on it.

The major issue with Teixeira is that his extensive injury history has caused him to miss a substantial portion of his career as a Yankee. New York desperately missed Teixeira’s production last season as they struggled to produce offense, especially in key games down the stretch. As a result, the Yankees failed to make a playoff appearance in consecutive years, a rare low for the storied franchise.

Allowing Teixeira to become the permanent designated hitter may be in the Yankees’ best interest to further avoid injuries, and he is also of much less value while playing the field.

Furthermore, given Rodriguez’s age and season-long suspension, working him back into the game at a defensive position that requires less physicality and mobility seems to be the team’s most viable option at this point. At 39 years old, it is highly unlikely that A-Rod still possesses the physical tools to be effective at third base or even shortstop, when the talented Chase Headley has the full potential to fill that void if re-signed.

With an additional three years and $64 million remaining on Rodriguez’s contract, Girardi has no other choice but to utilize him as best as possible. Simply resorting back to last season’s unsuccessful game plan will only resort in another disastrous year, where the Yankees hover around mediocrity once again.

If anything, Girardi may opt to split the first base reps between Teixeira and Rodriguez, possibly working A-Rod back into his third base role as the season progresses. At this point, nobody can be truly sure how he will return physically or mentally, so only time will tell Rodriguez’s fate in the field.

No matter what, he must bring his best offensive game if the Yankees plan on competing for a World Series anytime in the near future.

Joseph Crevier covers the New York Knicks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JosephMCrevier, and Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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