Damon's got a pretty good OBP, Jeter and Giambi's OBP are excellent and A-Rod's is very good as well. Yes, they've lost a couple players to injury, but the Yankees still have the 2nd highest scoring offense in baseball.
If you want to look at players who were close to being "all that is right with baseball" you could look at Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken, 2, Bernie Williams, Craig Biggio. They all played in the free agency era and none of them played with three teams.
A-Rod's problem has a lot to do with the fans booing him. He is overthinking, and trying to play better than he needs to. If he could have 5 minutes peace, he would be just fine. If he needs Matsui or Sheffield behind him, why did he hit homers in Texas? Yes there is a salary cap in baseball. Unlike football, however, it is a soft cap. When a team goes over the cap, they pay 50% of each dollar over the cap back to the league. (Basically, the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets are funding Major League Baseball in Kansas City.) A-Rod is a class act. For anyone that wants to target him for defending himself to the media, think about why he has to. He gets trashed almost daily, and the reporters are constantly in his face. At least he isn't telling them to kiss his ass. Then he would never get any respect. I like the point about A-Rod not being able to hit the 9-run homer. It's amazing that 3 times since the All-Star break he has either drove in or scored the go-ahead run, but yet people still say he doesn't score when it counts. He is still on track for around 40 HRs, and over 130 RBI. Giambi already has 28 HRs. So A-Rod isn't the only Yankee who will hit 25+ this year. He isn't even the first to reach the mark.
Just for kicks. 2006 OPS w/ RISP, 2 out: Rodriguez- 1.027 (45 AB) Jeter- 1.034 (37 AB) Not bad. OPS in Close and Late Rodriguez- 0.573 (53 AB) Jeter- 0.889 (50 AB) Not Pretty. Clutch Factor Rodriguez- 5.0 Jeter- 2.9 Looks good.
Considering that fans booing affected him to the point that he forgot how to throw from 3rd to well any base, I think you are a lil off
A-Rods supposed throwing error watch the videotape Andy Phillips(outfielder) looks like hes lunging for the ball instead of reaching out and stretching and staying on the base.
honestly dont play that card right now...ill look you dead in the eye and say ill take david wright over arod as of today without a shadow of a doubt... a - rod who is no doubt a great player is not playing great baseball...thats all this is about.... he doesnt hit in the clutch and doesnt play sound defense...and thats just a fact....yankee or not...
