The Yankees have been surprising this season.  With a roster full of injuries and players that aren’t exactly the youngest guys in the league, it’s not looking so bad for the pinstripes.  However, besides Derek Jeter, the other face of the New York Yankees has been in question: Alex Rodriguez. 

A-Rod was cleared for baseball activities last weekend after being sidelined from a hip surgery (torn labrum and bone impingement, and to correct a cyst) in January.  The 3rd basemen also had to deal with HGH rumors, warming the bench, and signing more than just autographs on baseballs. 

So what now?  He’s easing into heavy workouts down in Florida, and is expected to make a return around the All-Star break.  Which meant Kevin Youkilis would be stepping in to take his place.  But wait, Youk has been dealing with a bulging disc and some inflammation in his back, because the Yankees don’t have enough injuries to worry about, this adds to the drama.

Rodriguez had a .272 batting average last year with 18 homeruns, which may seem honest, but let’s remember this is the guy who was hitting homeruns in the 50 range, and consistently hitting over .300 for the season.  His career totals are still impressive, he has played in 2,524 (which still does not surpass Cal Ripken Jr.’s ridiculous 2,632 consecutive games) he has 647 career homeruns, and 2,901 career hits. 

His baseball workouts are becoming more intense at the moment, so for Yankee fans, all they can do is pray he has some of that All Star magic left.

Rodriguez is a Hall of Famer, this is not in question.  However, he is passed his prime, and he will not have to be worrying about tonight’s baseball game, but rather his appearances on Baseball Tonight.