Yankees A-Rod or Jeter's Team?
  by Freddy C.

 It still feels like Alex Rodriguez is the unexpected guest on the New York Yankees. High-priced and controversial, has he finally put in enough Pinstripe time to have it be his Yankees?

 Derek Jeter is the captain of the New York Yankees. Alex Rodriguez is his mate at third base, knocking in runs and hitting home runs for the Yankees at a record pace. Still, there is a wall between Alex Rodriguez and the fans. He is not appreciated, nor is he accepted as a real New York Yankee.

 Alex Rodriguez, though, for on-field production, has been The Man for the Yankees since his inception on the Bronx Bombers. From that standpoint, he is the most important player on the New York Yankees, but he will never be its heart. The heart and soul of the New York Yankees will be Derek Jeter, as long as Jeter is a member of the team.

 Alex Rodriguez can make inroads by playing like the regular-season A-Rod in the post-season. It could become Alex Rodriguez' team, if he could, like Reggie Jackson before him, ignite World Series fire. It was Thurman Munson's team, Yankee fans will recall, until Reggie tore through the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Now, looking back, the highlights and stories all portray it as Reggie Jackson leading the New York Yankees to World Series glory.

 Call him Alex Rodriguez, or call him A-Rod. Yankee fans want to love, but that love is granted at the toll where championship dues are paid.

Who's Hot
The Mets David Wright. Since joining New York in mid-2004, Wright has hit .311 with 97 homers, 365 RBIs and a .388 on-base percentage.

Who's Not
Considering the Mets have to go all the way to avoid failure, the hint of desperation around GM Omar Minaya's moves seems like a bad omen for the season ahead.

Around the League:

Commissioner Bud Selig's insistence on having some sort of punishment meted out to active players named in the Mitchell Report could delay finalizing an enhanced drug policy between Major League Baseball and the Players' Association, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

For a guy who admits he was never more than a mediocre baseball player, President Bush sure gets to keep living the dream. Bush is throwing out the first pitch Sunday night at the gleaming new baseball stadium in Washington, the sixth time he has had the honor as president. It may be ceremonial, but it is not a duty a president wants to tank.

Atlanta Braves
Braves veteran starter John Smoltz threw five strong innings in a Minor League game on Sunday and is on track to make his 2008 regular season debut on April 6 against the Mets

Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Friday that left-handed pitcher Doug Davis has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will begin treatment after undergoing surgery on April 10. Davis made his scheduled start on Friday in an exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. He will make his first two starts during the regular season.

Baltimore Orioles
Jay Gibbons was released Sunday by the Baltimore Orioles, who lost patience waiting for the oft-injured outfielder to regain the form that enabled him to hit 26 home runs in 2005.

Boston Red Sox
Red Sox ace Josh Beckett continued to progress toward rejoining the team as he makes his way back from tightness in his lower back that landed him on the DL

Detroit Tigers
Third baseman Miguel Cabrera finalized an eight-year, $152.3-million US contract on Tuesday

Florida Marlins
Involved in a collision on Saturday night, center fielder Alejandro De Aza was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday

Houston Astros
Woody Williams was put on unconditional release waivers Saturday by the Houston Astros, who owe the pitcher $6.5 million. The 41-year-old right-hander was 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA last season and had an 11.32 ERA in spring training this year. He gave up five runs and five hits in three innings Friday during a 10-0 exhibition loss to Detroit

New York Mets
The New York Mets made Mike Pelfrey their fifth starter Sunday, this means that Orlando Hernandez will most likely start the season on the 15 day disabled list.

Toronto Blue Jays
Alex Rios reportedly is close to signing a six-year, $65-million US contract extension with the Jays

Hot on SportzNutz MLB:

Ranger's Roundup:
It’s time for the pre-season predictions for our Texas Ranger baseball team.  We have seen another off-season of acquiring new players and a few trades to boot.  What does it mean for the fans who will be rooting for their hometown heroes?  Unfortunately, it looks like more of the same from a team that hasn’t found a way to be a contender this century.... more

Information provided in MLB Roundup has been gathered from A.P. reports, ESPN.com, Sportsline.com, MLB.com and numerous other e-sources. Opinions expressed are obviously solely the opinions of the authors and do not reflect those of source material.

About this week's guest author: Freddy C has watched more NBA, NFL and baseball than a human being should be allowed to. I have seen them all from Dr.J to Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady and even the controversial A-Rod. Some old-schoolers would have you think that the players from years ago were better, but guys like Dwyane Wade (even though he gets super friendly with Chuck in those ads—brunch, suit-shopping, etc. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, Jerry), Peyton Manning and Manny Ramirez would be great in any era.

I like to think I have mad hops on the computer, but my sports skills…mmm, let’s say I should stick to writing. I love the NBA, NFL and baseball, and since you’re here, I’m guessing you share the passion

Visit Freddy at: FastBreak Blog