The latest chapter of the tortuous saga that has become A-Rod's life involves a possible removal from the Dominican Republic's WBC roster, thanks to an injury right out of the Carl Pavano annals. It was revealed earlier this week that A-Rod has been playing with a cyst on his right hip, that, while not causing any pain, has necessitated a trip to a specialist (say "cyst specialist" five times fast.... go!). The results from the doctor visit have yet to be divulged, but all signs are pointing to the Yanks asking A-Rod to withdraw from the WBC so that he can preserve his hip strength for the Yankees.
I'm no Cyst Specialist, but it seems pretty clear to me that he's likely just fine and the Yankees are looking for an excuse to keep him out of the tourney. Girardi and the Cash Man have no love for the WBC and would obviously prefer to keep their players in Tampa to avoid getting hurt or just plain tired before the season even starts, so I'm sure they'd be more than happy to blow a minor issue out of proportion to take advantage of it. And it's obviously NOT a major issue - he's been playing with no pain (just slight "stiffness") and the team physician specifically told the Yanks that A-Rod COULD play through it. There's clearly nothing for us to worry about - he'll be fine - but the Yanks could probably make a case for asking him to sit out.
Perhaps 'twould be all for the best. The further away he gets from the watchful eye of the Yankees, the more trouble he gets himself into.
A-rod is very fragile mentally. He collapses under too much pressure. It is possible that the Yankees are tying to keep him out of the limelight for a bit in order for this steroid issue to die down, and to allow him to start the season mentally prepared.
ReplyDeleteI hear good news may be on its way.....without A-Rod is something I've never thought about.
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