A thought re: A-Rod

[Counciltucky]

I'm a Yankee fan, and I think we should keep A-Rod and that the fans should lighten up on him.

That said, why not move him to first base?

That way, the Yankees can cut Sheffield loose (which saves one HUGE headache there now that he's bitching up a storm again), it paves the way for mega-prospect Eric Duncan to take over within the next couple years, and A-Rod doesn't have to worry about the throws across the diamond but can still be involved in something like half the plays on the field, which could actually help him re-gain his confidence.

The Yankees could sign someone like Aubrey Huff to man third base for 2007.

Thoughts?

[DeeDeeNY]

1. Is Giambi through at first base?

If not, or even if Giambi played the field a few days a week, then the rest of the time he would be the DH and that leaves Matsui out, because he will be the regular DH next year.
Maybe whatever plagued A-Rod in 2006 will be gone next season. Nothing about him makes sense. Everyone says his problem is inside his head, and someone mentioned to me the other day that as long as he's on the same team as Jeter, he will always have this problem. It's a difficult situation.

[Counciltucky]

2. Giambi's a full-time DH now.

And Matsui is projected to play in left again next year (with Melky Cabrera as the fourth outfielder).

[Hobarticus]

4. And a big-time clubhouse leader...

Great article in SI about the A-Rod toss-up; Giambi was riding A-Rod mercilessly.

[Hobarticus]

3. This makes good sense...

If we absolutely have to keep A-Rod, that is. I'd like to see him stay, but it wouldn't break my heart if he got cut loose, either. Sounds like he's staying.

I'd hate to cut Sheff loose, but it doesn't seem like keeping him is an option.

Get Papa George on the phone, I think you're on to something.

[Counciltucky]

5. I don't see why Yankee fans want to get rid of A-Rod.

I really don't.

I mean, sure he looks a little more human now, but look at the numbers he's put up! Sure, the numbers haven't been there in the postseason, but neither has anyone else's. It seems to be all in the head for A-Rod, and that he wants to get it fixed, and that he will. I honestly think we'll see a different, better A-Rod next year.

[Hobarticus]

7. I don't want to get rid of him...

I think he's a great player, I don't think he deserves the bad press, but I also think he's a lightning rod and a distraction, especially inside the clubhouse. The Yank's strength is in their team, not one player.

There was a terrific article in SI, late in the season about this. In spite of all the bad press, and getting lectured by Torre, A-Rod just seemed to be oblivious to the impression that he was just phoning it in. He didn't seem to be take action to let the clubhouse know that he realized he was in a slump and would step up his efforts. No extra batting practice, kept to himself; he wasn't going out of his way to help himself, in other words. Giambi absolutely went off on him. Giambi made a point: Posada can go 0-for-August, but he's a clubhouse leader. A-Rod's off on his own little planet, and when you're making that high-dollar payroll, you'd better walk the walk.

In short, I'm glad he's staying but I hope he gets it together. He's a better player than this.

[DeeDeeNY]

6. A great story on this

in today's NY Times editorial page

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/03/opinion/03seely.html?r=1&oref=slogin