The Return of Alex Rodriguez: Are Yankees fans ready to Forg1v3?

(Rodriguez photo Credit: Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)

By: Cyndi Riegger
Twitter: @Label_Whore_Art

With a somewhat harsh reality settling in for Yankee fans, a post Core
Four season starts in 2015. The thought of what the team is currently
capable of is the subject of some worry. For most, the thought of what
it means to be without beloved captain, Derek Jeter, is sending folks
into a “The sky is falling” type of mentality and giving life to the
idea that hope is lost for the team unless Brian Cashman makes some
important moves in the offseason.

The start of the 2015 season also means the return of one of baseballs
most notorious headline grabbers: Alex Rodriguez.

His eminent return is receiving mixed reviews, as one would expect
given the reason he had to leave baseball to begin with (For those of
you who have been living under a rock, Rodriguez was suspended the
entire 2014 season due to his involvement in a Bio-genesis scandal). A
theme of perhaps offering forgiveness, as per a timely shirt designed
by Bleacher Creature extraordinaire, Vinny Milano aka Bald Vinny, that
emulates The Captain's Jordan “Re2pect” campaign; is making its way
around social media.

(Bald Vinny t-shirt photo is courtesy of Vinny Milano's Twitter: @baldvinny)

Rodriguez's t-shirt simply reads “Forg1v3”, which it sounds like most
fans are prepared to at least try to do next season. But, what does
this mean for the Yankees?

Already, the once star third baseman's age and physical condition has
come into question. The effectiveness that a 39 year old could
possibly have in the physically demanding position of playing 3rd base
and the possibility of A-Rod spending some time at 1st base to relieve
a frequently injured and ailing Mark Teixeira.. Via a report by Bryan
Hoch on MLB.com, it was said Manager Joe Girardi has run the idea by
Rodriguez. It, however, did not mention Rodriguez's reaction or
readiness to do so.

Still, with the 2014 Yankees season over, the return of Alex Rodriguez
could serve as some sort of comfort for those missing a more familiar
name and face on the roster. With big names like Jeter, Rivera,
Pettite and Posada now gone, thus ending an era for the team, perhaps
a newly invigorated Rodriguez might be what the team needs.

At 39 and having missed an entire season of play, Rodriguez's at bat
presence is sure to have suffered, though given his work ethic which
no matter what scandal he has been involved in, has always been
reported as remaining at a high level; this Yankee fan is certain it
has been worked on at length in his time away. With any luck, A-Rod
can be reconditioned in Tampa next Spring and Bronx ready by Opening
Day.

Til then, Brian Cashman has some work ahead of him to hopefully
rebuild the team known for its love of championships and with any
luck, they'll see one in 2015 with an enthusiastic and focused Alex
Rodriguez perhaps leading the charge.