Anyone who thought Alex Rodriguez's name couldn't possibly get dragged through any more mud was sorely mistaken. According to reports, A-Rod may soon be facing the wrath of his peers.
60 Minutes is reporting that the names of the suspended players on the Biogenesis list, including former NL MVP Ryan Braun and his own teammate Francisco Cervelli, were leaked by A-Rod's people. Rodriguez's attorney David Cornwell has strongly denied these accusations and said they are an attempt to wreck A-Rod's relationship with the MLBPA before his appeal.
"These allegations are untrue and are another attempt to harm Alex, this time by driving a wedge between him and other players in the league," Cornwell said. "While Alex focuses on baseball and repeatedly states that he is going to respect the appeal process, the drumbeat of false allegations continues. These improper and viciously false leaks will not alter the fact that MLB exceeded its authority under the JDA (Joint Drug Agreement) and the 211 game (suspension) will not stand.''
As of now, the MLBPA is standing firmly in Rodriguez's corner as he battles a historically long 211-game suspension handed down by MLB. MLBPA head Michael Weiner is on record saying, "We feel what he (MLB Commissioner Bud Selig) did, frankly, was inappropriate and almost ridiculous. Look at the penalties that have been [given] out and cases that have been decided by the commissioner's office along with the Players Association. Nothing comes close to 211 games."
As the appeal process takes place, Rodriguez has been free to don the Yankees pinstripes and man third base in the Bronx. In nine games, A-Rod has transformed many of the initial boos to cheers-at least at Yankee Stadium. In 40 plate appearances Rodriguez is hitting .278 with one home run and four RBI. He has also posted a respectable .417 slugging percentage while mostly batting cleanup for the previously power-starved Yankees, who rank second-to-last in home runs in the American League.
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