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After reading todays Pinstripe Blog I was finally pushed to post my first ever comment after being a reader for years. It was when Goldman asked the anti A-Rod crowd to step up that forced me to speak up. The thing is I am a very PRO A-Rod guy, I've defended him every year he's been in pinstripes regardless of his questionable off-field personality or behavior and despite his lackluster October numbers. I think that the Yankees must resign him, to let him walk without getting a lot in return would run counter to everything the Yankees have ever stood for. The history of having the greatest players showcased on the greatest stage demands it. I agree with Goldman on all points regarding A-Rod, from why it would have made sense to consider moving him earlier in the year, to the fact that he's one of the greatest players in the game today and perhaps ever. Last year was a down year for him, but it wasn't a bad year by most players standards and the reaction of Yankees fans were abhorrent.

Now that I've clarified my position on A-Rod, I can't help but be afraid of what's going to happen if the Yanks hang on to make the playoffs. I watched A-Rod seemingly wilt when the pressure was on during his 500 homer chase and while it could be racked up to one of those down stretches every player goes through his getting scorching hot again once the pressure was off shows different. So despite loving A-Rod the player I can't help but being afraid he's going to disappear again once the pressure of the playoffs arrive. If he were to hit .100 in the playoffs there's no question that NY fans would be demanding that he is ran out of town irregardless of the fact he was the guy who carried them into the playoffs in the first place. I'm worried because it's too easy for that to happen, especially if the Yankees were to lose in the short divisional series. The Yankees pitching has been so up and down that it's possible that he could go through the playoffs and get only 20 at bats before they get bounced, which aren't enough AB's to base such a major decision on. Because of his prior history everyone would assume that he'd still stink even if he had received 50 at bats.

However if the Yanks go deep in the playoffs and he does get 50 plus at bats but hits .140 again I'd still argue he needs to be resigned because he CAN carry the team in the regular season to put the team in contention for a title. At that point Jeter and the rest of the guys are capable of getting them through if the pitching holds up. Unfortunately I don't think that Cashman would consider paying the money required to do it under those circumstances, even with Texas helping defray the costs for the first few years of the extension.

In that light it could be argued that A-Rod's chances of having a future in pinstripes seems much more likely if the team doesn't make the playoffs because he wouldn't have the opportunity to struggle and the decision on whether or not to keep him would have to be based on his remarkable regular season. Of course as a die-hard Yankees fan I can never hope for them to be at home in October, but the fact that it's gotten to the point where even the staunchest of A-Rod supporters get afraid for him to face the pressure of the Playoffs says a lot about the man and for what he's managed to do to this point. What amazes me is that with all his talent and hardwork that he is able to fail so consistantly at crucial times, at some point he's got to snap out of it. Maybe this year will be different, I hope this year is different, but that doesn't stop me from having reservations and doubts.

by watching every yankee game this year and seeing what a-rod is doing.....his body language......his determonation......his resolve.......i will predict.....and i certainly may be wrong.....that if the yanks make the playoffs a-rod will continue his play and continue his hitting for as long as the yankees will last.......i think he will finally come up with the big hit or the big play.....and finally get the monkey off his back......its just something about how he is going about his business right now.......i hope i'm right...he is a marvelous player and a great talent........he deserves a championship......keep rooting....

Thanks for replying guys. I'm hoping against hope that everyone's positive attitudes will be dead on accurate. I know Alex definitely wants to succeed in NY and we all know that success with the Yankees is measured by championships. I believe that he would give up almost anything to be revered the way Derek is, and if the Yanks make it to the playoffs and he has a monster postseason culminating in a Championship he'll have both.

Of course if things play out that way it may lead him to want to stay in NY with the hopes of being a part of another dynasty. On the other hand, he could say, "Look at me, I did it! I showed everyone I COULD come through in the clutch and that I AM a winner. Oh, and by the way, now I'm getting out of here before the fans turn on me again." I could hardly blame him after all he's been through with the print media and the fans, but I'm praying for the first scenario.

In the end I believe no matter what it's going to come down to cold, hard, cash and sadly if the Angels or the Cubs offer the exact same $ as the Yanks he may be more likely to leave if he can go out a Champ.