Alex Rodriguez: Steroid Scandal to Championship

Alex Rodriguez came through in grand fashion during the 2009 major league baseball postseason. Coming off a steroid scandal early this year and trying to make up for a lack of production at the plate during previous postseasons, there was a lot of weight on his shoulders. But when the last out was made in Game 6 of the fall classic, most of that weight cascaded away. Nothing tasted sweeter for Alex Rodriguez; he helped deliver the 27^th title in New York Yankees' history.

Back in spring training, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids. It was a media blitz of biblical proportions. Conveniently, the steroid scandal broke after he signed a multi-year deal with the Yankees. At that point in time, I was convinced the steroid scandal would be a distraction for the Yankees heading into the first season in their new digs. It was everything to the contrary and more.

By the end of the 2009 regular season, the Yankees finished with the best record in the major leagues, thanks in large part to the successful free agent signings of C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira and the resigning of Andy Pettitte. All had quality seasons, including Alex Rodriguez, who had his season delayed one month because of hip surgery. He finished the regular season with a .286 batting average, 30 HR, and 100 RBI, a quality season by most standards.

In order to help the team succeed in the postseason, Alex Rodriguez knew he had to come up big at the plate and wane the opinions of his critics. He delivered. Rodriguez's monster postseason included going 19 for 52 (.365) with six home runs and a club record 18 RBI. He scored 15 runs and walked 11 times. Rodriguez's statistical breakdown per playoff series:

ALDS - Batting Average - .455, 1 HR, 6 RBI

ALCS - Batting Average - .429, 2 HR, 6 RBI

World Series - Batting Average - .250, 1 HR 6 RBI

Some very memorable postseason hits by Alex Rodriguez:

1. Game 4 of World Series - double down the left field line in the ninth inning
2. Game 2 of Division Series - game-tying home run in the ninth inning
3. Game 2 of Championship Series - game-tying home run in the eleventh inning

Now that Alex Rodriguez removed the postseason monkey off his back, what's next? Other than play for more championships, he will attempt to break the all time home run record. In the end though, future Hall of Fame voters will have to weigh Alex Rodriguez's accomplishments, even if he breaks the record, against admitted steroid use. Time will tell.

Sources:

http://www.baseball-reference.com

http://www.nydailynews.com

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

http://www.associatedcontent.com