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Dear A-Rod

By cernig, Section MLB
Posted on Mon Aug 28 2006 at 2:33 PM EST
More on: Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Yankees, MVP, 40-40, World Series, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris (all tags)

Dear A-Rod,

I am sure you are already well aware, but the frustration level of your performance on the baseball diamond has reached an all time high. I am not here to remind you yet again of your 0-10 performance the last two games in Anaheim, which includes seven strikeouts. Instead, please think of this as a simple form of motivation.

No, I didn't think so.

Maybe you need to go back to simple? Maybe you need to think all the way back to when you were in the Minor Leagues and remember what got you to the Majors? Maybe you need to stop listening to the thousands words of advice you receive? Because after all you are a $252 millionaire and I'm sure there have been people, like me for example who hasn't even graduated High School yet, offering their most sincere opinions on how to improve the lost swing of two time Most Valuable Player, Alex Rodriguez.

Maybe if you forget the advice of others, or simply just refuse to listen, you will be able to focus on what you think is best? Maybe you will be able to work yourself out of this "slump"?

Maybe you need more of a challenge? Maybe 40/40 man isn't enough? Maybe two MVP's isn't cutting it anymore? Maybe you are saving a great performance for this year's playoffs? Maybe you are saving up for a World Series MVP?

Honestly, if that were the case, I'd say that's swell and dandy. But the fact is, Alex, the Yankees haven't secured a playoff position yet. True, you come into today's game 5.5 games up on Boston, but you know very well that lead can be lost just as fast as it was gained.

Maybe there is something wrong with you and Jeter?

 
You did take his spot in the lineup yesterday, only to go 0-4 with three strikeouts and a groundout. I mean I have a book that says right in there; Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are "best buds". Why can't you act like it? Why can't you put all personal issues aside during the season and attempt to work them out after a World Series is won? I think it's become very obvious, Alex, that Derek needs you despite his MVP season, and you really need Derek in these times of struggle.

Maybe the fans are finally starting to take their toll on you, as a human? Maybe three years of constant boo-birds is enough to even demoralize the best all around player in baseball? These same fans did run a homerun champion out of New York during the 1960's.

Maybe you are really hurt? You did mention in an interview about an injury that has nagged at you throughout the season, but you failed to mention what it was. If you are injured, please Alex, take a break. Take a break now, not during the playoffs. Because it seems like if you really are injured, the injury, whatever it may be, is affecting both your swing and throwing in the field. Not everyone can play as well as Mickey Mantle did when injured.

Maybe the mental beating you have taken is worse then we fans could ever imagine? Roger Maris did lose his hair as a result of mental abuse from his Yankee fans. Maybe it's possible you do not even have a mental problem at all? Maybe you are more mentally strong than you have ever been?

Maybe it is all just really, really, really bad luck? Maybe it's no coincidence every time you look up at the count you are behind? Maybe you need to be more aggressive? Maybe you should try and bunt a few times or get hit by a pitch? It will only hurt for a few seconds, I promise.

Maybe you just need people, like me, to just give you a serious break and stop talking about you? Can America go one day without talking about the struggles of Alex Rodriguez?

Maybe then, Derek will give you a pat on the back and offer a glimmer of hope?

Maybe you are poised to make a run at Comeback Player of the Year in 2007?

Maybe you just don't realize that people like me get just as frustrated as you do every time you strike out or make an error? Maybe you just don't realize we actually want you to excel, and it doesn't have to be a 40/40 season every year? Maybe we want to watch a game on TV and look into your eyes and see that you are doing ok? Maybe we love you so much, Alex, we forgot that even the best baseball player in the country is human?

Whatever the problem is Alex, I hope you have the ability to work yourself out of it and finish the 2006 season strong. I sincerely hope you are doing well, both mentally and physically, and if you're not, please seek some help immediately. I, as well as many other fans, would hate to see this suffering continue, for both your sake and ours.

Come on A-Rod, you can do it! Hate the playa. Love the game. Thanks for trying harder then any Yankee before your time.

Good luck,
Colin Cerniglia

Copyright ©2006 Colin Cerniglia. All Rights Reserved.