Although it is not a surprise, it is an interesting site: Alex Rodriguez playing first base for the New York Yankees. MLB.com's Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch reports that Rodriguez has taken ground balls and throws at first base for the first time in his career. According to Hoch, Rodriguez tried his hand at the new position on a practice field at the Yankees' Spring Training facility in Tampa, Florida.
Hoch also captured the moment and shared it via Twitter.
The potential move of Rodriguez to first base comes as no surprise for a number of reasons. First is the questionable health of current starting first baseman Mark Teixeira. The switch-hitting slugger has played in only 138 total games in the past two seasons due to injury, including only 15 games in 2013 because of wrist problems.
He had a myriad of wrist problems and other ailments that limited him to 123 games last year. Teixeira reports himself feeling well, but the Yankees are not completely certain that he will play many more games than that this year.
Reason #2 is that the Yankees learned last year (after a mid-season trade brought him in) that Chase Headley is more than a viable replacement. In fact, after Headley hit .262 with 7 HR and 17 RBI in 58 games after the July 22 trade, the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $52-million contract this past offseason, and they did not sign him to DH or change positions.
In addition to missing all of 2014 because of his suspension, Rodriguez, A.K.A. "A-Rod," has returned, and despite the rumors and gossip, he is a Yankee and will stay a Yankee. He has three years and $64 million left on his contract, and team president Hank Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman do not want to pay that much to a bench player.
Reason #3 is that the Yankees have a plethora of players who will rotate through the designated hitter position. Aging players such as Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Carlos Beltran -- along with catcher Brian McCann, who will need breaks from behind the plate -- will all find time getting four at bats without taking the field to keep their bats and legs fresh.
In addition, as fans and reporters focus on the PED controversy and his suspension, A-Rod's injury history also comes into play. Remember that he is not far removed from two separate left hip surgeries for labrum tears and nerve impingement. Since those hip problems began in 2011, he has averaged 88 games per season with average lines of .269/.356/.441, 14 HR, 46 RBI, and 7 steals. He used to routinely hit 40+ home runs and steal 25+ bases most every year. Perhaps a move to a combined 1B/DH role will alleviate some motion and fatigue and allow him to have a productive season.
Finally, A-Rod will turn 40 on July 27.
According to Hoch's report, Rodriguez liked playing first base and even called Teixeira "a good tutor." Rodriguez also said that he would like to learn more about the position. That declaration does come as a bit of a surprise in that Rodriguez had adamantly proclaimed throughout the offseason that he will play the bulk of the Yankees' games at third base. Hoch quoted Rodriguez discussing the experience. Said A-Rod,
"It was fun. Any time I'm on the field, I'm just happy. But I've got a good tutor in Tex.... I'm going to do the best I can, so I don't know. Because I've never done it, we'll keep talking throughout... whatever Joe needs."
According to Hoch, Rodriguez has a new first baseman's mitt that still needs breaking in. Perhaps taking more throws will break in both that glove and a new Yankees first baseman.