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Alex Rodriguez has been a shell of himself in the last two seasons and last year’s postseason was definitely a low water mark for the New York Yankees‘ slugging third baseman. As the calendar turns to 2013 and a new season is upon us, it’s time to take a look at what exactly is in store for Rodriguez’s 20th MLB season.
To start off, A-Rod will have a late start to his season because he underwent a hip surgery that will put him on the shelf for about six months. Reattaching the slugger’s torn labrum is his second hip surgery in the last four seasons as he last went under the knife prior to the 2009 season.
Best case scenario A-Rod will be back around the All-Star break and is better than ever.
However, the Yankees will have to be patient with Rodriguez and definitely take a look at the big picture for the 2013 season. This could be a blessing in disguise for everyone involved because Rodriguez has been half the player he can be and this hip really has hindered his production.
Last October was especially grueling as he was 3-25 with 15 strikeouts in the postseason. His inability to explode was obvious and I give Rodrigiuez the benefit of the doubt because he has clubbed more than 23 home runs for 15 consecutive seasons prior to 2011.
Time will tell if this hip has been the cause for his two straight seasons of home run totals in the teens. Furthermore, I would much rather have a healthy Rodriguez for half a season than an injured one for a full year.
