WHY ALEX KNOWS BEST...FINALLY

A-Rod's had a couple Spring Training press meetings over the past 2 weeks and he's talked about everything from popcorn to his love for the 2011 New York Yankees bullpen and the team itself.

It's a relaxed Alex Rodriguez and I love it. He didn't say anything stupid and he knew that was his biggest flaw before we won our 2009 rings. On February 22nd he talked to the press in reference to "popcorn gate" and if he was angry after being "caught" in camera:

"That was pretty humorous... five or six years ago I probably would have come out with some bogus statement."

He would have never said that in 2005. You know what I mean? Love that he can recognize that.

He also expressed how he had a great winter. I'm glad, a relaxed Alex on the off season is what I prefer, IF, he gets back to 100% and kicks some ass in the baseball season. Hank Aaron is quoted about saying this about Alex: "He should have a great winter all the time. When you're playing baseball, you have to think about playing baseball."
Yankee fans like myself don't miss Alex as a Press Conference Spaz. Am I right? For years we rooted for the guy and for years he'd always say something stupid. Now, he doesn't and that's huge for the big boy. He's matured, learned and completed part 1 of his quest, a championship. So now, he's a new man and on his way to part 2, truly being a New York Yankee, with the fans love and respect and he''ll love us back. Hint Alex, just be yourself.

Alex was very complimentary about the bullpen, and it was clear to me this was genuine. He expressed how he knows we have the best "bridge" in baseball and how we have a great shot with these guys there. He also loves the mix of players on the 2011 Yankees team, young and older is a good combination. To me, that means Alex is taking the advice of so many for so long, he's leaning toward that mentoring, teacher role. It started last year with Cano, and Cano has been quoted as saying he has so much respect for Alex and has learned so much from him. This year, now that Alex finally understands the inner workings of being a New York Yankee, he will continue to teach the youngsters, and guide the newbies. Hell, maybe he'll even take a page from the old Siwsher playbook and have alittle fun too.

It's good to see Alex relaxed, It'll be better to see him relaxed and on fire in 2011. I can't wait.

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