Alex Rodriguez has a permanent residence in the spotlight. His contract and tendency to put his foot in his mouth both have something to do with it. A bigger reason is the media's unhealthy obsession with him, but that's besides the point. Tuesday's hot topics: Rodriguez's valuing winning over money and Jose Canseco's steroid allegations.
In his interview with the Daily News, Rodriguez says he made a mistake when he went to Texas for more money instead of the Mets in 2000. He didn't want to repeat it with the Yankees this season. Now, did the $275 million -- that can swell to more than $300 million with incentives -- the Yankees paid off to him didn't have anything to do with his staying? He's making a ton, and people act like he crawled back to the Yankees. Also, his admission of a "mistake" eight years later isn't going to make Mets fans dislike him any less. Does Rodriguez really hate agent Scott Boras? Maybe, but he surely doesn't hate all the money he's earned.
As for Canseco, everyone tried to laugh him off the first time, but subsequent events have proven that drug use is widespread in baseball. In second book, Canseco says he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids supplier. Rodriguez had no comment, but given the firestorm all things Rodriguez create, this story will pop up now and then, and mostly now. Canseco's book is a sequel, so some might wonder why he didn't bring this up in Juiced. Canseco says it's because he wanted to keep his credibility -- he apparently hates Rodriguez. Vindicated hits bookshelves April 1, and there aren't that many sneak previews out there. This one came from a guy who bought the book when it was accidentally released early at a Boston book store.
Photo of Alex Rodriguez after hitting a home run against the Reds during Spring Training by AP/Gene J. Puskar
