<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">  <head profile="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11"><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://mlb.si.com:80/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/","20121011193025","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1349983825"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/> <meta name="description" content="MLB Hit and Run - Jay Jaffe on Baseball"/> <meta name="keywords" content="MLB, MLB Hit and Run, Jay Jaffe, baseball"/> <title>Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? | Hit and Run</title> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Hit and Run RSS Feed" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/feed/"/> <link rel="pingback" href="http://mlb.si.com/xmlrpc.php"/> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://s2.wp.com/wp-content/themes/vip/si-mlb/style.css?m=1348539542g" type="text/css" media="screen"/> <link href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/lib/writer_blog.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"/> <link href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/hitandrun/style-hitandrun.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/css/4.1/offsite/story_font.css"/> <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/css/4.1/offsite/story_alt.css" title="LargeFont"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.e/js/4.1/global/lib/jquery-1.4.2.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.e/js/4.1/global/lib/plugins/jquery.innerfade.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.e/js/4.1/global/lib/plugins/jquery.cookie.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://img.timeinc.net/shared/static/js/tii_ads.js"></script> <script>var adConfig=new TiiAdConfig('3475.si2');adConfig.setRevSciTracking(true);var adFactory = new TiiAdFactory(adConfig, 'mlb/hitandrun');</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/js/4.1/offsite/blogs/common.js"></script> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://cdn.gigya.com/JS/socialize.js?apiKey=2_RpUtdnSH1JeDf3edBmqCqe4PBMqZuO_DF3FxpeCiE1BOb1NpCV7fHgEhMCQbE7Cu" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://r-login.wordpress.com/remote-login.php?action=js&host=mlb.si.com&id=36044958&t=1349983608&back=mlb.si.com%2F2012%2F10%2F10%2Falex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds%2F" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ if ( 'function' === typeof WPRemoteLogin ) { document.cookie = "wordpress_test_cookie=test; path=/"; if ( document.cookie.match( /(;|^)\s*wordpress_test_cookie\=/ ) ) { WPRemoteLogin(); } } /* ]]> */ </script> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Hit and Run » Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? Comments Feed" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/feed/"/> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ function addLoadEvent(func){var oldonload=window.onload;if(typeof window.onload!='function'){window.onload=func;}else{window.onload=function(){oldonload();func();}}} /* ]]> */ </script> <link rel="stylesheet" id="all-css-0" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://s1.wp.com/_static/??/wp-content/mu-plugins/post-flair/style.css,/wp-content/mu-plugins/post-flair/sharing/sharing.css,/wp-content/themes/h4/global.css?m=1345177132j" type="text/css" media="all"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.js?m=1349903959g"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" id="all-css-0" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://s1.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/highlander-comments/style.css?m=1343991657g" type="text/css" media="all"/>  <link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="http://simlb.wordpress.com/xmlrpc.php?rsd"/> <link rel="wlwmanifest" type="application/wlwmanifest+xml" href="http://simlb.wordpress.com/wp-includes/wlwmanifest.xml"/> <link rel="prev" title="NLDS Game 4 preview: Giants at Reds" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/nlds-game-4-preview-giants-at-reds/"/> <link rel="next" title="Strasburg shutdown haunting Nationals in Division Series" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/strasburg-shutdown-haunting-nationals-in-division-series/"/> <meta name="generator" content="WordPress.com"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/"/> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://wp.me/p2reWi-CA"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://public-api.wordpress.com/oembed/1.0/?format=json&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmlb.si.com%2F2012%2F10%2F10%2Falex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds%2F&for=wpcom-auto-discovery"/><link rel="alternate" type="application/xml+oembed" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://public-api.wordpress.com/oembed/1.0/?format=xml&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmlb.si.com%2F2012%2F10%2F10%2Falex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds%2F&for=wpcom-auto-discovery"/><link rel="openid.server" href="http://simlb.wordpress.com/?openidserver=1"/> <link rel="openid.delegate" href="http://simlb.wordpress.com/"/> <link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/osd.xml" title="Hit and Run"/> <link rel="search" type="application/opensearchdescription+xml" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://wordpress.com/opensearch.xml" title="WordPress.com"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/v1.0/javascripts/livefyre_init.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var lf_config = {"site_id":"308747","article_id":2392,"domain":"sportsillustrated.fyre.co"}; if ( typeof(Backplane) != 'undefined' ) { lf_config.backplane = Backplane; }; var conv = LF(lf_config); </script> <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ /* Block: reblog */ .reblog-from img { margin: 0 10px 0 0; vertical-align: middle; padding: 0; border: 0; } .reblogger-note img.avatar { float: left; padding: 0; border: 0; } .reblogger-note-content { margin: 0 0 20px; } .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt-content { border-left: 3px solid #eee; padding-left: 15px; } .reblog-post ul.thumb-list { display: block; list-style: none; margin: 2px 0; padding: 0; clear: both; } .reblog-post ul.thumb-list li { display: inline; margin: 0; padding: 0 1px; border: 0; } .reblog-post ul.thumb-list li a { margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; } .reblog-post ul.thumb-list li img { margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; } .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt { clear: both; } .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt address, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt li, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h1, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h2, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h3, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h4, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h5, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt h6, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt p { font-size: 100% !important; } .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt blockquote, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt pre, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt code, .reblog-post .wpcom-enhanced-excerpt q { font-size: 98% !important; } /* ]]> */ </style> <meta property="og:title" content="Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? | Hit and Run"/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/"/><meta property="og:site_name" content="SI.com"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/4.1/global/si-facebook.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/alex-rodriguez-ap2.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/arodhighheat3.jpg"/><meta property="og:description" content=" As the Yankees return to the Bronx for the remainder of their Division Series against the Orioles, much talk centers around Alex Rodriguez's placement in the batting order. Rodriguez is …"/><meta name="application-name" content="Hit and Run"/><meta name="msapplication-window" content="width=device-width;height=device-height"/><meta name="msapplication-tooltip" content="Smile! You’re at the best WordPress.com site ever"/><meta name="msapplication-task" content="name=Subscribe;action-uri=http://mlb.si.com/feed/;icon-uri=http://s2.wp.com/i/favicon.ico"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://profiles.si.com/media/cHJvZmlsZXMuc2kuY29t/javascripts/simpleprofiles.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var engage = new fyre.sp.app.Engage({app: "si.auth.fyre.co"}), profiles = new fyre.sp.app.Profile({}), delegates = { 'handle_auth_login': function() { engage.signIn(); }, 'handle_auth_logout': function() { engage.signOut(); }, 'handle_edit_profile': function(user) { profiles.editProfile(); }, 'handle_view_profile': function(user) { var id = user.jid.split('@')[0]; profiles.viewProfile(id); $jl('.lf_hovercard').hide(); } }; fyre.sp.on('auth_logout_complete', function() { LF.modules.Auth.logoutSuccess(); }); fyre.sp.on('profile_submit_complete', function(data) { LF.Fyre.get('user').set({display_name: data.displayName}); }); fyre.sp.on('auth_login_complete', function(data) { LF.ready(function() { LF.login({ token: data.token, profile: {display_name: data.displayName} }); }); }); LF.ready(function() { LF.Dispatcher.addListener(delegates); }); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/blognav.css"> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://z.cdn.turner.com/si/.e/js/4.0/remoteNav.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/js/4.1/global/visualrevenue.js"></script> </head> <body>   <div id="wrapper">  <div id="header"> <a href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/" class="main" title="Hit and Run"></a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/?xid=wp_mlb" title="SI.com" class="si"></a> <div id="navbar"> <ul id="nav"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/?xid=wp_mlb" class="hiddenNav"></a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/?xid=wp_mlb" class="first">SI.COM HOME</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/?xid=wp_mlb">MLB ON SI.COM</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/scoreboards/today/?xid=wp_mlb">SCORES</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/?xid=wp_mlb">TEAMS</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/standings/?xid=wp_mlb">STANDINGS</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/stats/?xid=wp_mlb">STATS</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/mlb/?xid=wp_mlb">VIDEO</a> <a href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/archive">ARCHIVE</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/feed/" class="rss">Subscribe to RSS</a> </ul> </div> </div>  <div class="hiddenNav"> <div class="globalNav" style="display:none;"> <script type="text/javascript"> cnnWriteTopNav_transition(); cnnWriteBotNav_transition(); </script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $('.hiddenNav').hover(function() { $('.globalNav').show(); }, function(){ $('.globalNav').delay(3000).hide(); }); </script> <div id="banner"> <script language="JavaScript"> siAds.render('ros/top.728x90', 728, 90); </script> </div> <div id="content" style="overflow:visible;"> <div id="cnnStoryHeader"> <script> (function(h) { h(function() { renderSocialBar(); }); function renderSocialBar() { if (jQuery("#cnnShare2").length === 0 || (jQuery.browser.msie && parseInt(jQuery.browser.version, 10) < 8)) { jQuery(".large-buttons").hide(); jQuery(".small-buttons").show(); return; } var descripY = parseInt(jQuery(".left-column").offset().top, 10) - 20; var $postShare = jQuery("#cnnShare2"); var pullX = $postShare.css("margin-left"); jQuery(window).data("scrollBound", false); function positionShareScroll() { var scrollY = jQuery(window).scrollTop(); var fixedShare = $postShare.css("position") == "fixed"; if (scrollY > descripY && !fixedShare) { $postShare.stop().css({ position: "fixed", left: "50%", top: 20, marginLeft: -500 }); } else if (scrollY < descripY && fixedShare) { $postShare.css({ position: "relative", left: 0, top: 0, marginLeft: pullX }); } } jQuery(window).resize(function () { var windowW = jQuery(window).width(); var windowH = jQuery(window).height(); var pulledOutside = $postShare.css("margin-left") == pullX; if ((windowW >= 1144) && (windowH >= 440)) { if (!jQuery(window).data("scrollBound")) { jQuery(".small-buttons").hide(); jQuery(".large-buttons").show(); $postShare.width("auto"); jQuery(window).data("scrollBound", true).bind("scroll.positionShare", function () { positionShareScroll(); }); positionShareScroll(); } } else { if (pulledOutside || jQuery(window).data("scrollBound")) { $postShare.css({ position: "relative", left: 0, top: 0, marginLeft: pullX }); jQuery(".large-buttons").hide(); jQuery(".small-buttons").show(); jQuery(window).data("scrollBound", false).unbind("scroll.positionShare"); } } }); jQuery(window).resize(); } })(jQuery); /* SI-5384 */ function getTitleMeta() { var storyHeadline = ""; var metas = document.getElementsByTagName("meta"); if (storyHeadline == "") { for (var i = 0; i < metas.length; i++) { if (metas[i].getAttribute("property") == "og:title") { storyHeadline = metas[i].getAttribute("content"); break; } } } if(storyHeadline == "") { storyHeadline = "Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? | Hit and Run"; } if(storyHeadline.indexOf(" | SI.com") != -1) { storyHeadline = storyHeadline.replace(" | SI.com", ""); } else if(storyHeadline.indexOf(" - SI.com") != -1) { storyHeadline = storyHeadline.replace(" - SI.com", ""); } return storyHeadline; } $(document).ready(function() { $("#shareBtn").hover(function() { $("#share_popup").toggle(); }); $("#shareBtn2").hover(function() { $(".wdt_button_min #share_popup").toggle(); }); $("#share_popup").hover(function() { $("#share_popup").toggle(); }); $(".wdt_button_min #share_popup").hover(function() { $(".wdt_button_min #share_popup").toggle(); }); var metas = document.getElementsByTagName("meta"); var shareTitle = getTitleMeta(); var shareDesc = ""; for(var i = 0; i < metas.length; i++) { if(metas[i].getAttribute("name") == "description") { shareDesc = metas[i].getAttribute("content"); break; } } if(shareDesc == "") { shareDesc = "Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? | Hit and Run"; } shareTitle = encodeURIComponent(shareTitle); var shareURL = encodeURIComponent(top.document.URL); $(".tumblr_share").attr("href", "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url="+shareURL+"&name="+shareTitle+"&description="+shareDesc); $(".stumbleupon_share").attr("href", "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url="+shareURL+"&title="+shareTitle); $(".reddit_share").attr("href", "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://reddit.com/submit?url="+shareURL); $(".digg_share").attr("href", "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://digg.com/submit?url="+shareURL); $(".delicious_share").attr("href", "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://del.icio.us/post?url="+shareURL+"&title="+shareTitle+"&notes="+shareDesc); }); </script> <style> DIV#cnnStoryHeader {height:auto;padding-right:11px;} #cnnShare2 {left:0;position:relative;top:0;margin:0;} #cnnShare2 IMG {vertical-align:bottom;} .large-buttons {background:transparent url('https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/share_side_v2.png') no-repeat;display:none;float:left;margin-left:-72px;padding:11px 0 15px 0;text-align:center;width:72px;z-index:11500} .large-buttons .wdt_button {margin-bottom:8px} .large-buttons .wdt_button IFRAME {margin:auto;} .small-buttons {border-top:1px solid #666;display:none;padding:5px 0px 0px;margin-left: 5px;height32px;width:678px;} .small-buttons .wdt_button_min {display:block;float:left;margin:0;padding:0;width:83px;text-align:center;} .ie7 .small-buttons .wdt_button_min {width:108px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem0 {width : 110px;padding:6px 0px 5px 20px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem1 {width : 110px;padding:6px 0px 6px 0px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem2 {width : 90px;padding:6px 0px 4px 0px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem3 {width : 95px;padding:6px 0px 3px 0px;} /* linkedin count started wrapping. added width:93px, dropped default from 86px to 83px to compensate. */ .small-buttons .cnnItem4 {padding:8px 0px 8px 0px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem5 {padding:7px 0px 7px 0px;} .small-buttons .cnnItem6 {padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;} .small-buttons .wdt_button_min iframe, .small-buttons .wdt_button_min span, .small-buttons .wdt_button_min iframe {margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;} .ie7 .small-buttons .cnnItem2 {display:none} .ie7 .large-buttons .wdt_button {margin-top:8px;margin-bottom:18px} .wdt_button.cnnItem4, .wdt_button_min.cnnItem4 {position:relative;} #shareBtn { padding: 0 10px; } #share_popup { display:none; position:absolute; left:28px; top:16px; background-color:#fff; width:230px; padding: 6px 5px 5px; border:2px solid #666; } .wdt_button_min #share_popup { left:34px; top:24px; display:none; } .ie7 .wdt_button_min #share_popup { left:46px; } #share_popup li { float:left; width:50%; text-align:left; } #share_popup li a { color:#333; width: 94%; padding:4px 3px 3px; display:inline-block; zoom:1; *display:inline; } #share_popup li:hover a { color:#000; background-color:#ececec; outline:1px solid #ccc; } #share_popup li img { vertical-align:middle; margin:-2px 4px 0 0; } .ie7 #share_popup li img { margin-top:0; } </style> <div id="cnnShare2"> <script> var cnnSocialUrl = "http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2F"; if ($("link[rel=canonical]").attr("href") != null) cnnSocialUrl = $("link[rel=canonical]").attr("href"); </script> <div class="large-buttons"> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem0"> <script> document.write('<iframe src="//web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=' + encodeURIComponent(cnnSocialUrl) + '&send=false&layout=box_count&width=49&show_faces=false&action=like&colorscheme=light&font=verdana&height=62" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:49px; height:62px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>'); </script> <noscript> <iframe src="//web.archive.org/web/20121011193025if_/http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com&send=false&layout=box_count&width=49&show_faces=false&action=like&colorscheme=light&font=verdana&height=62" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:49px; height:62px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> </noscript> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem1"> <script> document.write('<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="SINow" data-text="' + getTitleMeta() + '">Tweet</a>'); </script> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem2"> <g:plusone size="tall"></g:plusone> <script type="text/javascript"> (function () { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); </script> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem3"> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://platform.linkedin.com/in.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script> document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="IN/Share" data-url="' + cnnSocialUrl + '" data-counter="top"></scr' + 'ipt>'); </script> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem4"> <a href="#" class="cnnShareLink" id="shareBtn"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/addthis.png" alt="Share" title="Share"/></a> <div id="share_popup"> <ul> <li> <a target="_blank" class="tumblr_share" title="Tumblr" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/tumblr_share_icon.gif" alt="Tumblr" border="0"/>Tumblr</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="stumbleupon_share" title="StumbleUpon" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/stumbleupon_share_icon.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0"/>StumbleUpon</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="reddit_share" title="Reddit" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/reddit_share_icon.gif" alt="Reddit" border="0"/>Reddit</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="digg_share" title="Digg" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/digg_share_icon.gif" alt="Digg" border="0"/>Digg</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="delicious_share" title="Del.i.cious" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/delicious_share_icon.gif" alt="Delicious" border="0"/>Del.i.cious</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem5"> <a class="bmk_email bk" title="Email to a friend" href="#" onclick="return(ET());" onmouseover="return(ETMouseOver());" onmouseout="return(ETMouseOut());"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/email.png" alt="Email" title="Email"/></a> </div> <div class="wdt_button cnnItem6"> <a class="bmk_print bk" title="Print this page" href="#" onclick="return(PT());" onmouseover="return(PTMouseOver());" onmouseout="return(PTMouseOut());"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/print.png" alt="Print" title="Print"/></a> </div> </div> <div class="small-buttons"> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem0"> <script> document.write('<iframe src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=' + encodeURIComponent(cnnSocialUrl) + '&layout=button_count&show_faces=false&width=110&action=like&font=verdana&colorscheme=light&height=21" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:110px; height:21px;" allowTransparency="true" id="cnnShareFB"></iframe>'); </script> <noscript> <iframe src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025if_/http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2F&layout=button_count&show_faces=false&width=110&action=like&font=verdana&colorscheme=light&height=21" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:110px; height:21px;" allowtransparency="true" id="cnnShareFB"></iframe> </noscript> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem1"> <script> document.write('<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-via="SINow" data-text="' + getTitleMeta() + '">Tweet</a>'); </script> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem2"> <g:plusone size="medium"></g:plusone> <script type="text/javascript"> (function () { var po = document.createElement("script"); po.type = "text/javascript"; po.async = true; po.src = "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); </script> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem3"> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://platform.linkedin.com/in.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script> document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="IN/Share" data-url="' + cnnSocialUrl + '" data-counter="right"></scr' + 'ipt>'); </script> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem4"> <a href="#" class="cnnShareLink" id="shareBtn2"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/addthis.png" alt="Share" title="Share"/></a> <div id="share_popup"> <ul> <li> <a target="_blank" class="tumblr_share" title="Tumblr" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/tumblr_share_icon.gif" alt="Tumblr" border="0"/>Tumblr</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="stumbleupon_share" title="StumbleUpon" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/stumbleupon_share_icon.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0"/>StumbleUpon</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="reddit_share" title="Reddit" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/reddit_share_icon.gif" alt="Reddit" border="0"/>Reddit</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="digg_share" title="Digg" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/digg_share_icon.gif" alt="Digg" border="0"/>Digg</a> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" class="delicious_share" title="Del.i.cious" href="#"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/delicious_share_icon.gif" alt="Delicious" border="0"/>Del.i.cious</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem5"> <a class="bmk_email bk" title="Email to a friend" href="#" onclick="return(ET());" onmouseover="return(ETMouseOver());" onmouseout="return(ETMouseOut());"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/email.png" alt="Email" title="Email"/></a> </div> <div class="wdt_button_min cnnItem6"> <a class="bmk_print bk" title="Print this page" href="#" onclick="return(PT());" onmouseover="return(PTMouseOver());" onmouseout="return(PTMouseOut());"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.1/story/global/print.png" alt="Print" title="Print"/></a> </div> </div> <script> ua = navigator.userAgent; if (ua.search(/Firefox\/3\.5/i) !== -1) { //$("h1").css("color","red"); $("div.wdt_button").css({ "margin-bottom": "18px", "margin-top": "8px" }); $(".small-buttons .cnnItem2").css({ "display": "none" }); $(".small-buttons .wdt_button_min").css({ "width": "108px" }); } </script> </div></div> <div class="left-column"> <div class="post-wrap"> <div class="post-top"> </div> <div class="post" id="post-2392"> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Where should Yankees bat A-Rod?">Where should Yankees bat A-Rod?</a></h1> <div class="category"> <a href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/alex-rodriguez/">Alex Rodriguez</a>, <a href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/division-series/">Division Series</a>, <a href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/new-york-yankees/">New York Yankees</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/#comment"><span class="js-kit-comments-count" exclude-sources="Twitter" include-sources="Comments" uniq="/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/"></span> Comments </a> </div> <div class="entry"> <div id="cnnSCFontButtons"> <div id="cnnSCFontLabel"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize.gif"/></div> <div id="cnnSCFontMinusBtn" onclick="setActiveStyleSheet2('default'); return false;"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize_minus_d.gif" alt="Decrease font" title="Decrease font" class="cnnDecreaseFont"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize_minus_l.gif" alt="Decrease font" title="Decrease font" class="cnnIncreaseFont"></div> <div id="cnnSCFontPlusBtn" onclick="setActiveStyleSheet2('LargeFont'); return false;"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize_plus_d.gif" alt="Enlarge font" title="Enlarge font" class="cnnIncreaseFont"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize_plus_l.gif" alt="Enlarge font" title="Enlarge font" class="cnnDecreaseFont"></div> </div> <div id="attachment_2395" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 308px"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/alex-rodriguez-ap2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2395" title="alex-rodriguez-ap2" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/alex-rodriguez-ap2.jpg" alt="Alex Rodriguez" width="298" height="318"/></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Alex Rodriguez has struck out in half his plate appearances so far in the ALDS. (AP)</p></div> <p>As the Yankees return to the Bronx for the remainder of their Division Series against the Orioles, much talk centers around Alex Rodriguez’s placement in the batting order. Rodriguez is just 1-for-9 with a walk and five strikeouts in the series while batting third in both games, and he struck out to end Monday night’s game. While he he has gotten on base once in each game, it’s increasingly clear that despite his 647 career home runs, the 37-year-old third baseman isn’t the power threat he used to be, not after battling a variety of leg and hip ailments in recent years, as well as a broken metacarpal in his left hand this year. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says he <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/harper-a-rod-woes-striking-article-1.1178071">has no plans</a> to move Rodriguez down in the order at the moment, but it appears that the Yankees would be better served if he did, at least against a right-handed starter.</p> <p>Rodriguez hit just .272/.353/.430 with 18 homers in 529 plate appearances this year, numbers that would pass muster for most third basemen, or most 37-year-olds, but fall short of the sky-high expectations that come with being a pinstriped superstar making $29 million this year. Even before the Felix Hernandez pitch that sidelined him on July 24 and cost him 36 games, he was hitting just .276/.358/.449 with 15 home runs. Upon returning on Sept. 3, he hit just .261/.341/.369 in 129 PA the rest of the way, with three doubles and three home runs, the last of them on Sept. 14 — a performance hardly befitting the No. 3 hitter in any lineup, let alone one in a postseason series.</p> <p>Yet Rodriguez has persisted there, typically batting behind Derek Jeter and either Ichiro Suzuki or Nick Swisher, and ahead of Robinson Cano. It didn’t appear to cost the Yankees much once he returned; they scored 5.68 runs per game down the stretch as players such as Suzuki and Russell Martin heated up. But on Monday night, the cost was glaringly apparent as Rodriguez came to bat with two outs and the Yankees down one run against righty closer Jim Johnson. Though he battled Johnson for seven pitches in what might have been his best plate appearance of the night, in the end he struck out, while the lefty Cano, the team’s best hitter all season and their the hottest over the last few weeks, could only watch in the on-deck circle.</p> <p><span id="more-2392"></span></p> <p>In the grand scheme of things, it’s important to remember that at the heart of it, batting order is a manager’s means of distributing offensive playing time; ideally, the best players should bat the most often. Over the course of the year, the average big league team draws roughly 18 fewer plate appearances for every spot they move down the order. Speed, power, and handedness do come into play, but as secondary principles; the sluggers should hit with more men on base, the slowest hitters should be kept apart to cut down on double plays, and a manager shouldn’t cluster too many same-handed hitters together, creating a very real cost when opponents try to gain the platoon advantage by switching pitchers.</p> <p>For all of that, sabermetric studies on batting order have shown that the difference between the best and the worst orders given the same combination of players only amount to a handful of runs per year, probably around 20. As Tom Tango, co-author of <em>The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, </em><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=14010">noted</a>, “Even doing something drastically incompetent, like putting the pitcher in the cleanup slot, costs you only 0.1 runs per game,” which would translate to 16 runs over the course of a full season. Because hitters aren’t stat-generating robots, egos can come into play, and Tango gave one example of just how small the gains might be in a typical switch (emphasis in original):</p> <blockquote><p>“If you swap your number-two and your number-six hitters, what happens? Well, that’s a difference of 72 plate appearances. If your number-six hitter creates 90 runs per 700 PA and your number-two hitter creates 70 per 700 PA, the net effect is that you can gain 20 runs per 700 PA. <em>And 20 divided by 700 times 72 is two runs</em>. The best way to set up your batting order is to put it in the optimal order (which means you have to have different batting lineups based on pitcher handedness), and then tweak it based on the ego of the players, because human impact is more important than leveraging two runs.”</p></blockquote> <div id="attachment_2405" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 308px"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/arodhighheat3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2405 " title="arodhighheat3" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://simlb.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/arodhighheat3.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="646"/></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The PITCHf/x data shows Rodriguez’s increasing vulnerability to pitches high in the strike zone from righties, especially on the inside part of the plate. (Courtesy of BrooksBaseball.net and Baseball Prospectus)</p></div> <p>As for that aside about handedness, it’s worth noting that Rodriguez’s performance against lefties (.308/.410/.514 in 173 PA) remained strong during the regular season, and he was 14-for-34 with three extra-base hits against them in September. It’s against righties where he was a shadow of his former self (.256/.326/.391 in 356 PA). In the larger sample, his three-year trend actually tilts slightly towards righties (.275/.346/.473 in 1,098 PA, compared to .266/.363/.454 in 454 PA against lefties), and his career numbers are basically even, but a closer look at his <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/hitter_card.php?player=121347&inf=&month=&year=2012&throws=R&pi_type=&report=whiff&color=&normType=">PITCHf/x hitter profile</a> at Baseball Prospectus shows a clear trend. Rodriguez has become increasingly vulnerable to the high hard stuff up and in, particularly against righties. In the upper inside quadrant of the strike zone, where his swing-and-miss <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/hitter_card.php?player=121347&inf=&month=&year=2007&throws=R&pi_type=&report=whiff&color=&normType=">rate was at 26 percent </a>from 2007-2011 — under 30 percent in every year but 2010, when it was at 34 percent — it jumped 50 percent this year, and his whiff rates across the top third of the strike zone were all above 34 percent, well above his career rates. The sample sizes aren’t huge (28 pitches in that up-and-in quadrant this year, 148 from 2007-2011) but the trend is clear enough for a pitcher to take advantage <em>(see table at right)</em>.</p> <p>It’s possible that Girardi is deferring to Rodriguez’s ego in keeping him third in the lineup, but he did bat him fourth 50 times this season, not to mention in 94 of his 97 starts last year. Girardi hasn’t been afraid to juggle other players around the lineup based upon streaks and slumps, or the handedness of the opposing pitcher. Curtis Granderson, who hit second 90 times and sixth another 32 times, has been in the midst of a second-half slump in which he’s hit .212/.278/.480, and even though he went 7-for-17 with three home runs over the final four games of the regular season, he was slotted seventh against righty Jason Hammel in Game 1, and eighth against lefty Wei-Yin Chen in Game 2. Nick Swisher hit sixth 56 times during the regular season, second 52 times, and fifth just 10 times, but has batted fifth in both Division Series games.</p> <p>Of course, it’s not necessary for Girardi to resort to the desperate and seemingly punitive placement that predecessor Joe Torre occasionally resorted to during his tenure. In the 2003 World Series, Torre reacted to leadoff hitter (and 38-homer thumper) Alfonso Soriano’s 7-for-49 slump by batting him ninth in the sixth and final game of the World Series. In the 2006 Division Series, Torre stuck Rodriguez — who had hit .358/.465/.691 in September but was 1-for-11 in the series’ first three games — into the eighth spot for the fourth and final game, a move that surely <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3863517">embarrassed</a> a player who had won two MVP awards on his watch, and one that still resonates today.</p> <p>Against a lefty, leaving Rodriguez in the third spot may not be Girardi’s worst option, particularly given Cano’s uncharacteristic struggles against southpaws this season (.239/.309/.337 in 269 PA) after years of mashing them; arguably, the latter should be moved out of the four spot, with Mark Teixeira and Swisher moving up. But with righty Miguel Gonzalez going in Game 3, and a choice between righty Chris Tillman and lefty Joe Saunders for Game 4 (manager Buck Showalter hasn’t tipped his hand), Girardi would do well to adjust accordingly to give his team its best chance to win even if that means batting Rodriguez in the bottom third of the lineup. The slight won’t hurt nearly as much as another early exit from the playoffs.</p> <p><strong>CORRECTION:</strong> This post originally had Miguel Gonzalez listed as a lefthanded pitcher. It has been updated.</p> <div id="jp-post-flair" class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon-text sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-twitter"><a rel="nofollow" class="share-twitter sd-button share-icon" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/?share=twitter" title="Click to share on Twitter" id="sharing-twitter-2392"><span>Twitter</span></a></li><li class="share-facebook"><a rel="nofollow" class="share-facebook sd-button share-icon" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/?share=facebook" title="Share on Facebook" id="sharing-facebook-2392"><span>Facebook</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul><div class="sharing-clear"></div></div></div></div><div class="wpl-likebox sd-block sd-like"><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><div id="like-2392" class="wpl-button "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/?like=1&_wpnonce=4562577504" title="I like this." class="like needs-login sd-button" rel="nofollow"><span>Like</span></a></div><div class="wpl-count sd-like-count">Be the first to like this.</div></div></div></div> </div> <div id="authorbio"></div> </div> <div class="post-bottom"> <li>Published On <span>Oct 10, 2012</span></li> </div> </div> <style type="text/css"> .OUTBRAIN .ob_dual_right { background:transparent url('https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e/img/4.0/global/pixels/d5d5d5.gif') repeat-y; } .OUTBRAIN .ob_org_header, .OUTBRAIN .ob_ads_header { font-size:16px;font-weight:bold; } .OUTBRAIN LI { background:transparent url('https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/global/arrows/red_on_white_5x9.gif') no-repeat 0px 10px;color:#999;font-weight:bold;line-height:13px;padding:7px 0px 7px 8px; } .OUTBRAIN LI A { color:#5a637e; } .OUTBRAIN LI A:hover { color:#ec2c21; } .OUTBRAIN .ob_what A { color:#999; } .OUTBRAIN .ob_what A:hover { color:#ec2c21; } </style> <div style="width: 678px; background: #fff; padding: 25px 0 0 0; "> <div class="OUTBRAIN" data-src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025oe_/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/" data-widget-id="AR_2" data-ob-template="si"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://widgets.outbrain.com/outbrain.js"></script> </div>  <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/hitandrun/livefyre-comments.css"/> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/hitandrun/livefyre-comments.js"></script> <a name="comment"></a> <div id="comments"> <div id="lf_comment_stream" livefyre_title="Where should Yankees bat A-Rod?"> <link rel="stylesheet" id="livefyre-css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025cs_/http://zor.fyre.co/wjs/v1.0/css/livefyre_embed.css" type="text/css" media="all"> <div id="livefyre"> <div id="lf_fyre_head"> <div class="lf_head_bar"> <label class="lf_comment_count">6 comments</label> <label class="lf_listener_count">0 people listening</label> </div> <div class="lf_login_bar"> <div class="lf_auth_section"> <a rel="nofollow" href="javascript:void(0)" class="lf_user_loggedout">Sign in</a> </div> <a class="lf_logo"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://zor.fyre.co/wjs/v1.0/css/images/livefyre-logo.png" height="23" width="77" alt="Livefyre logo"/> <ul class="lf_conv_box lf_box"> <li name="help">Comment help</li> <li name="install">Get Livefyre</li> </ul> </a> </div> <form action="#" id="lf_comment_form" comment_id="top" style="clear:left;"> <textarea id="lf_message" class="lf_comment_textarea"></textarea> <label class="lf_post_spinner"></label> <div id="friendContainer"> <div class="list"> <div class="conversation"></div> <div class="social"></div> </div> </div> <div class="lf_action_bar"> <span class="lf_post">Post comment as</span> <div class="lf_follow_link"> <label class="inactive">+ Follow conversation</label> <label class="on">Following</label> <label class="off">- Unfollow</label> </div> <span class="lf_share_post"> <label>Post to</label> <input type="checkbox" name="twitter" class="lf_twitter_share"/> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://zor.fyre.co/wjs/v1.0/css/images/twitter_share_post.png" alt="twitter logo"/> <input type="checkbox" name="facebook" class="lf_facebook_share"/> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://zor.fyre.co/wjs/v1.0/css/images/facebook_share_post.png" alt="facebook logo"/> </span> </div> </form> <div id="lf_stream_direction"> Sort: <a href="#" class="selected" name="older" onclick="return LF.Bootstrap.reverse('older');">Newest</a> | <a href="#" name="newer" onclick="return LF.Bootstrap.reverse('newer');">Oldest</a> </div> <div id="lf_comments"><div class="lf_comment_container lf_level_1" id="lf_comment_38872665" reply_parent="" comment_id="38872665" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="502ec5b8eb76c51c19000286@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/392f8c7028d160c4de797bf3bec58d74/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">Dan5</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">7 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p>Why all the hubub? ARod has NEVER been successful in the playoffs, whether at 24 or 38. He's a choker, plain and simple. There's no story here. He is performing according to his past performances. Big deal!</p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> <div class="lf_comment_container lf_level_1" id="lf_comment_38845665" reply_parent="" comment_id="38845665" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="505b3d24bc6bf34ba10002ac@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/d641f410b70f688df57ddbd834199da4/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">PB</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">6 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p>Girardi doesn't need to worry about dropping a-rod down in the line-up he needs to drop him from the line-up all together!! Please do as Torre did in the '96 World Series and make the hard decisions you are being paid to make (dropped Martinez for Fielder when the venue shifted to Atlanta). Give Chavez a chance, he can't be any worse.</p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> <div class="lf_comment_container lf_level_1" id="lf_comment_38840859" reply_parent="" comment_id="38840859" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="501c67c46a82dc0f6f00024b@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/a388a10c370be12d8e828f8b8fc0725d/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">kevin</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">7 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p>"CORRECTION: This post originally had Miguel Gonzalez listed as a righthanded pitcher. It has been updated."</p> <p> </p> <p>Three sentences above that: "But with righty Miguel Gonzalez going in Game 3 ..."</p> <p> </p> <p>Updated? Not so much.</p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> <div class="lf_comment_container lf_level_1" id="lf_comment_38837938" reply_parent="" comment_id="38837938" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="50353de5eb76c56ccd000132@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/a86ccb64a3ed78acfdb71fc684a4473d/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">bob3905</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">5 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p>A-Rod, subborn yes. Also arrogant and almost thoroughly unlikeable. I wish he had never one a World Series or an MVP award for that matter. Worse yet is all the attention he gets. If he were anywhere but in New York, on the Yankees I doubt so much print would be wasted on him.</p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> <div class="lf_comment_container lf_reply lf_level_2" id="lf_comment_38855136" reply_parent="38837938" comment_id="38855136" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="50184c8ceb76c54460000008@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/491ddc094eaa1e2cd8396c04d0f43500/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">JoeCabot</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">148 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p> <span class="namespace lf reply" provider="lf" user_name="bob3905" screen_name="undefined" jid="50353de5eb76c56ccd000132@sportsillustrated.fyre.co" profile_url="" ns="true"><span class="namespace-reply" ns="true">bob3905</span></span> Gee, ya think?</p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> <div class="lf_comment_container lf_level_1" id="lf_comment_38829635" reply_parent="" comment_id="38829635" ancestor="0" style="display: block; "> <div class="lf_comment_user" from="" jid="50758057bc6bf341d2001352@sportsillustrated.fyre.co"> <a class="lf_user hastooltip" title="Quick profile"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/9a9c4e2835d7aa0147c07171f23d558d/50.jpg" class="lf_main_avatar" alt="" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif';"/> </a> </div> <div class="lf_comment"> <div class="lf_comment_body"> <a rel="nofollow" href="" class="lf_comment_user_nick" target="_blank">Perite</a> <span class="lf_comment_user_rating">5 pts</span> <div class="lf_body"><p>Earlier I wrote the article below, outlining why A-rod is having problems at the plate. As for Girardi moving A-Rod down the line, that’s the most logical thing to do based on the number. But as you indicated Girardi is not Torre and if it’s not those computer reports in front of him, he will not make the move. It is up to A-Rod to make the needed adjustments is his swing – thus improving his chances for the one extra hit in that crucial situation. Recall Reggie stepping back in box, as the Dodgers pounded him in the inside part of the plate, that move gave the Yankees the Series and Reggie the title Mr. October. But it may be too late to teach a stubborn dog a new treat. </p> <p> </p> <p>A-Rod is out of balance on his swing, pictured above. In the Minors (MLB) we were all taught that no matter how you start (load) your swing, you most progress to “the perfect” major league swing with balance and finish in balance. The picture in this article is the prime example as to why he’s struggling – he is out of balance.</p> <p>Furthermore, he refuses to make the corrections. In his earlier years (steroid induced or not) the pure talent and bat speed was able to overcome the problems with his balance.</p> <p>While with the Texas Rangers he was advised, and made some of the adjustments, main one was releasing the bat (lower hand) at the apex of the swing completion, putting him, somewhat, within the center line of balance.</p> <p>What the ‘center line of balance’ of the swing - it is that your arms must pivot at the center of your torso to generate the most centrifugal force, in balance, to generate the most impact force at the bat’s sweet spot. Just imagine a revolving door that is perfectly balance – it turns with very little effort. If a large amount of effort is put upon it, the force transfer to the edge (centrifugal force) of the door will try to pull the door out of center. But because it is in balance, the door will continue to rotate in the center of its stationary axis.</p> <p>You saying ‘what the heck does this have to with baseball’? It’s very simple if his head and torso would remain in the center line of his swing he wouldn’t be falling over (forward) while swing his bat (see picture above). A principal in physics that everyone likes to quote is – ‘an object in motion remains in motion’. Well that’s what his head is doing, as he is swing, his head is moving down/forward (losing the center of balance) and he is changing the plain (level) of his eyes to read the path of the ball (among many things).</p> <p>Think of all the baseball ‘talking heads’ broadcasting a Cinn Reds game and how they marveled on Ken Griffey, Jr. perfect baseball swing. You could draw a line from his head down the center of his torso to the ground. With the point of impact of the bat/ball, body within the center-line, ‘palm up - palm down’ arm extension, and his legs forming the ‘backwards letter A’ – giving the ball a ride. If it wasn’t for Junior’s injuries we would be talking about a new ‘Homerun King’, but that’s a different story.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="lf_comment_attachments"></div> </div> <div class="lf_comment_footer"> <label class="lf_comment_date"></label> <a class="lf_share">share</a> <a class="lf_flag"> <label>flag</label> <ul class="lf_flag_box lf_box"> <li name="spam">spam</li> <li name="offensive">offensive</li> <li name="disagree">disagree</li> <li name="off topic">off topic</li> </ul> </a> <a class="lf_like lf_button">Like</a> </div> </div> <span class="lf_comment_divider"></span> </div> </div> <div id="lf_social_comments"> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> LIVEFYRE_BOOTSTRAP_JSON=({"cursor": "id:38829635", "data": {"conv": {"version": 124584215, "site_name": "308747", "conv_id": 19417121, "created": "2012-10-10T16:12:56.290467", "site_id": "308747", "title": "Where should Yankees bat A-Rod? | Hit and Run", "premoderated": false, "cache_modified_at": 1349923782, "comments": 6, "domain_name": "rooms.sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "v3_enabled": 1, "comments_enabled": true, "moderated": false, "followers": 0, "source_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds/", "source_id": "2392", "conv_name": "19417121", "nest_level": 4, "domain_id": 158}, "followers": [], "userinfo": {"6742555": {"rating": 5, "jid": "50758057bc6bf341d2001352@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 5, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/9a9c4e2835d7aa0147c07171f23d558d/50.jpg", "display_name": "Perite", "profile_url": null}, "5224002": {"rating": 148, "jid": "50184c8ceb76c54460000008@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 148, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/491ddc094eaa1e2cd8396c04d0f43500/50.jpg", "display_name": "JoeCabot", "profile_url": null}, "5491662": {"rating": 5, "jid": "50353de5eb76c56ccd000132@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 5, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/a86ccb64a3ed78acfdb71fc684a4473d/50.jpg", "display_name": "bob3905", "profile_url": null}, "6025480": {"rating": 6, "jid": "505b3d24bc6bf34ba10002ac@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 6, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/d641f410b70f688df57ddbd834199da4/50.jpg", "display_name": "PB", "profile_url": null}, "5266097": {"rating": 7, "jid": "501c67c46a82dc0f6f00024b@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 7, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/a388a10c370be12d8e828f8b8fc0725d/50.jpg", "display_name": "kevin", "profile_url": null}, "5436497": {"rating": 7, "jid": "502ec5b8eb76c51c19000286@sportsillustrated.fyre.co", "imported": false, "guest": false, "no_avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://zor.livefyre.com/wjs/images/users/noimage.gif", "rate": 7, "avatar": "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://livefyre-avatar.s3.amazonaws.com/a/158/392f8c7028d160c4de797bf3bec58d74/50.jpg", "display_name": "Dan5", "profile_url": null}}, "comments": [{"conv_id": 19417121, "body_plain": "Why all the hubub? ARod has NEVER been successful in the playoffs, whether at 24 or 38. He's a choker, plain and simple. There's no story here. He is performing according to his past performances. Big deal!", "body_html": "<p>Why all the hubub? ARod has NEVER been successful in the playoffs, whether at 24 or 38. He's a choker, plain and simple. There's no story here. He is performing according to his past performances. Big deal!</p>", "nest_level": 1, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223319260296642560", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "43980465111040", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-11T02:48:24.886526", "id": 38872665, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124584215, "type": 0, "owner_id": 5436497}, {"conv_id": 19417121, "body_plain": "Girardi doesn't need to worry about dropping a-rod down in the line-up he needs to drop him from the line-up all together!!\u00a0 Please do as Torre did in the '96 World Series and make the hard decisions you are being paid to make (dropped Martinez for Fielder when the venue shifted to Atlanta).\u00a0 Give Chavez a chance, he can't be any worse.", "body_html": "<p>Girardi doesn't need to worry about dropping a-rod down in the line-up he needs to drop him from the line-up all together!!\u00a0 Please do as Torre did in the '96 World Series and make the hard decisions you are being paid to make (dropped Martinez for Fielder when the venue shifted to Atlanta).\u00a0 Give Chavez a chance, he can't be any worse.</p>", "nest_level": 1, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223328056389664768", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "35184372088832", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-10T20:38:55.936595", "id": 38845665, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124408652, "type": 0, "owner_id": 6025480}, {"conv_id": 19417121, "body_plain": "\"CORRECTION:\u00a0This post originally had Miguel Gonzalez listed as a righthanded pitcher. It has been updated.\"\n\u00a0\nThree sentences above that: \"But with righty Miguel Gonzalez going in Game 3 ...\"\n\u00a0\nUpdated? Not so much.", "body_html": "<p>\"CORRECTION:\u00a0This post originally had Miguel Gonzalez listed as a righthanded pitcher. It has been updated.\"</p>\n<p>\u00a0</p>\n<p>Three sentences above that: \"But with righty Miguel Gonzalez going in Game 3 ...\"</p>\n<p>\u00a0</p>\n<p>Updated? Not so much.</p>", "nest_level": 1, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223336852482686976", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "26388279066624", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-10T19:43:07.840953", "id": 38840859, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124376602, "type": 0, "owner_id": 5266097}, {"conv_id": 19417121, "body_plain": "A-Rod, subborn yes. Also \u00a0arrogant and almost thoroughly unlikeable. I wish he had never one a World Series or an MVP award for that matter. Worse yet is all the attention he gets. If he were anywhere but in New York, on the Yankees I doubt so much print would be wasted on him.", "body_html": "<p>A-Rod, subborn yes. Also \u00a0arrogant and almost thoroughly unlikeable. I wish he had never one a World Series or an MVP award for that matter. Worse yet is all the attention he gets. If he were anywhere but in New York, on the Yankees I doubt so much print would be wasted on him.</p>", "nest_level": 1, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223345648575709184", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "17592186044416", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-10T19:06:44.287189", "id": 38837938, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124356502, "type": 0, "owner_id": 5491662}, {"conv_id": 19417121, "in_reply_to_id": 38837938, "body_plain": "@bob3905 Gee, ya think?", "body_html": "<p>\u00a0<span class=\"namespace lf reply\" provider=\"lf\" user_name=\"bob3905\" screen_name=\"undefined\" jid=\"50353de5eb76c56ccd000132@sportsillustrated.fyre.co\" profile_url=\"\" ns=\"true\"><span class=\"namespace-reply\" ns=\"true\">bob3905</span></span> Gee, ya think?</p>", "nest_level": 2, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223345648709926912", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "17592320262144", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-10T22:26:09.521289", "id": 38855136, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124468340, "type": 0, "owner_id": 5224002}, {"conv_id": 19417121, "body_plain": "Earlier I wrote the article below, outlining why A-rod is having problems at the plate.\u00a0 As for Girardi moving A-Rod down the line, that\u2019s the most logical thing to do based on the number.\u00a0 But as you indicated Girardi is not Torre and if it\u2019s not those computer reports in front of him, he will not make the move.\u00a0 It is up to A-Rod to make the needed adjustments is his swing \u2013 thus improving his chances for the one extra hit in that crucial situation.\u00a0 Recall Reggie stepping back in box, as the Dodgers pounded him in the inside part of the plate, that move gave the Yankees the Series and Reggie the title Mr. October.\u00a0 But it may be too late to teach a stubborn dog a new treat. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nA-Rod is out of balance on his swing, pictured above.\u00a0 In the Minors (MLB) we were all taught that no matter how you start (load) your swing, you most progress to \u201cthe perfect\u201d major league swing with balance and finish in balance.\u00a0 The picture in this article is the prime example as to why he\u2019s struggling \u2013 he is out of balance.\nFurthermore, he refuses to make the corrections.\u00a0 In his earlier years (steroid induced or not) the pure talent and bat speed was able to overcome the problems with his balance.\nWhile with the Texas Rangers he was advised, and made some of the adjustments, main one was releasing the bat (lower hand) at the apex of the swing completion, putting him, somewhat, within the center line of balance.\nWhat the \u2018center line of balance\u2019 of the swing - it is that your arms must pivot at the center of your torso to generate the most centrifugal force, in balance, to generate the most impact force at the bat\u2019s sweet spot.\u00a0 Just imagine a revolving door that is perfectly balance \u2013 it turns with very little effort.\u00a0 If a large amount of effort is put upon it, the force transfer to the edge (centrifugal force) of the door will try to pull the door out of center.\u00a0 But because it is in balance, the door will continue to rotate in the center of its stationary axis.\nYou saying \u2018what the heck does this have to with baseball\u2019?\u00a0 It\u2019s very simple if his head and torso would remain in the center line of his swing he wouldn\u2019t be falling over (forward) while swing his bat (see picture above).\u00a0 A principal in physics that everyone likes to quote is \u2013 \u2018an object in motion remains in motion\u2019.\u00a0 Well that\u2019s what his head is doing, as he is swing, his head is moving down/forward (losing the center of balance) and he is changing the plain (level) of his eyes to read the path of the ball (among many things).\nThink of all the baseball \u2018talking heads\u2019 broadcasting a Cinn Reds game and how they marveled on Ken Griffey, Jr. perfect baseball swing.\u00a0 You could draw a line from his head down the center of his torso to the ground.\u00a0 With the point of impact of the bat/ball, body within the center-line, \u2018palm up - palm down\u2019 arm extension, and his legs forming the \u2018backwards letter A\u2019 \u2013 giving the ball a ride.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for Junior\u2019s injuries we would be talking about a new \u2018Homerun King\u2019, but that\u2019s a different story.", "body_html": "<p>Earlier I wrote the article below, outlining why A-rod is having problems at the plate.\u00a0 As for Girardi moving A-Rod down the line, that\u2019s the most logical thing to do based on the number.\u00a0 But as you indicated Girardi is not Torre and if it\u2019s not those computer reports in front of him, he will not make the move.\u00a0 It is up to A-Rod to make the needed adjustments is his swing \u2013 thus improving his chances for the one extra hit in that crucial situation.\u00a0 Recall Reggie stepping back in box, as the Dodgers pounded him in the inside part of the plate, that move gave the Yankees the Series and Reggie the title Mr. October.\u00a0 But it may be too late to teach a stubborn dog a new treat. \u00a0</p>\n<p>\u00a0</p>\n<p>A-Rod is out of balance on his swing, pictured above.\u00a0 In the Minors (MLB) we were all taught that no matter how you start (load) your swing, you most progress to \u201cthe perfect\u201d major league swing with balance and finish in balance.\u00a0 The picture in this article is the prime example as to why he\u2019s struggling \u2013 he is out of balance.</p>\n<p>Furthermore, he refuses to make the corrections.\u00a0 In his earlier years (steroid induced or not) the pure talent and bat speed was able to overcome the problems with his balance.</p>\n<p>While with the Texas Rangers he was advised, and made some of the adjustments, main one was releasing the bat (lower hand) at the apex of the swing completion, putting him, somewhat, within the center line of balance.</p>\n<p>What the \u2018center line of balance\u2019 of the swing - it is that your arms must pivot at the center of your torso to generate the most centrifugal force, in balance, to generate the most impact force at the bat\u2019s sweet spot.\u00a0 Just imagine a revolving door that is perfectly balance \u2013 it turns with very little effort.\u00a0 If a large amount of effort is put upon it, the force transfer to the edge (centrifugal force) of the door will try to pull the door out of center.\u00a0 But because it is in balance, the door will continue to rotate in the center of its stationary axis.</p>\n<p>You saying \u2018what the heck does this have to with baseball\u2019?\u00a0 It\u2019s very simple if his head and torso would remain in the center line of his swing he wouldn\u2019t be falling over (forward) while swing his bat (see picture above).\u00a0 A principal in physics that everyone likes to quote is \u2013 \u2018an object in motion remains in motion\u2019.\u00a0 Well that\u2019s what his head is doing, as he is swing, his head is moving down/forward (losing the center of balance) and he is changing the plain (level) of his eyes to read the path of the ball (among many things).</p>\n<p>Think of all the baseball \u2018talking heads\u2019 broadcasting a Cinn Reds game and how they marveled on Ken Griffey, Jr. perfect baseball swing.\u00a0 You could draw a line from his head down the center of his torso to the ground.\u00a0 With the point of impact of the bat/ball, body within the center-line, \u2018palm up - palm down\u2019 arm extension, and his legs forming the \u2018backwards letter A\u2019 \u2013 giving the ball a ride.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for Junior\u2019s injuries we would be talking about a new \u2018Homerun King\u2019, but that\u2019s a different story.</p>\n<p>\u00a0</p>", "nest_level": 1, "moderator": false, "sort_order": "9223354444668731392", "likes": [], "sort_order_reverse": "8796093022208", "v3_enabled": 1, "created_at": "2012-10-10T17:20:30.002561", "id": 38829635, "tweet_id": null, "state": 1, "version": 124300546, "type": 0, "owner_id": 6742555}]}, "order": "-created"}); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div>   </div> <div class="sidebar test"> <div id="ad300x250" class="rightbox"> <script language="JavaScript"> siAds.render('mlb/rgt.300x250', 300, 250); </script> </div> <div class="rightbox"><div class="list"><form role="search" method="get" id="searchform" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/"> <div><label class="screen-reader-text" for="s">Search for:</label> <input type="text" value="" name="s" id="s"/> <input type="submit" id="searchsubmit" value="Search"/> </div> </form></div></div> <div class="rightbox"><div class="list"> <h2>Recent Posts</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/11/alds-game-5-preview-tigers-at-as/" title="ALDS Game 5 preview: Tigers at A’s">ALDS Game 5 preview: Tigers at A’s</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/11/nlds-game-4-preview-cardinals-at-nationals/" title="NLDS Game 4 preview: Cardinals at Nationals">NLDS Game 4 preview: Cardinals at Nationals</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/11/alds-game-4-preview-orioles-at-yankees/" title="ALDS Game 4 preview: Orioles at Yankees">ALDS Game 4 preview: Orioles at Yankees</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/11/raul-ibanez-yankees-home-runs/" title="Ibanez delivers double dose of history">Ibanez delivers double dose of history</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/11/nlds-game-5-preview-giants-at-reds/" title="NLDS Game 5 preview: Giants at Reds">NLDS Game 5 preview: Giants at Reds</a> </li> </ul> </div></div><div class="rightbox"><div class="list"><h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe">@jay_jaffe’s Twitter</a></h2><ul class="tweets"> <li> well, at least the Reds won't need a taxi to the airport <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/statuses/256462559442530304" class="timesince">53 minutes ago</a> </li> <li> @<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/ktsharp">ktsharp</a> @<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/dianagram">dianagram</a> given the DL trips for lower body injuries in 4 straight years (2008-11) and falling SLG, I'd say he's aging poorly <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/statuses/256458033276801024" class="timesince">1 hour ago</a> </li> <li> Raul? RT @<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/hangingsliders">hangingsliders</a>: Our alien overlord has spoken. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/statuses/256441367193075712" class="timesince">2 hours ago</a> </li> <li> @<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/RyanRBanks">RyanRBanks</a> you had me at meat tornado <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe/statuses/256436589981478913" class="timesince">2 hours ago</a> </li> </ul><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://twitter.com/jay_jaffe" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @jay_jaffe</a></div></div><div class="rightbox"><div class="list"><h2>Archives</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/" title="October 2012">October 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/09/" title="September 2012">September 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/08/" title="August 2012">August 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/07/" title="July 2012">July 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/06/" title="June 2012">June 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/05/" title="May 2012">May 2012</a></li> </ul> </div></div><div class="rightbox"><div class="list"><h2>Categories</h2> <ul> <li class="cat-item cat-item-12961810"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/a-j-burnett/" title="View all posts filed under A.J. Burnett">A.J. Burnett</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2859088"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/adam-greenberg/" title="View all posts filed under Adam Greenberg">Adam Greenberg</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1185185"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/adrian-beltre/" title="View all posts filed under Adrian Beltre">Adrian Beltre</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-150594"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/albert-pujols/" title="View all posts filed under Albert Pujols">Albert Pujols</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-676726"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/alds/" title="View all posts filed under ALDS">ALDS</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-248533"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/alex-rodriguez/" title="View all posts filed under Alex Rodriguez">Alex Rodriguez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-26071"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/all-star-game/" title="View all posts filed under All-Star Game">All-Star Game</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-291988"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/american-league/" title="View all posts filed under American League">American League</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1543424"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/andre-ethier/" title="View all posts filed under Andre Ethier">Andre Ethier</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1839573"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/andrew-mccutchen/" title="View all posts filed under Andrew McCutchen">Andrew McCutchen</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-544573"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/andy-pettitte/" title="View all posts filed under Andy Pettitte">Andy Pettitte</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-972781"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/anibal-sanchez/" title="View all posts filed under Anibal Sanchez">Anibal Sanchez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-445525"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/aramis-ramirez/" title="View all posts filed under Aramis Ramirez">Aramis Ramirez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-181584"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/arizona-diamondbacks/" title="View all posts filed under Arizona Diamondbacks">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-45410"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/atlanta-braves/" title="View all posts filed under Atlanta Braves">Atlanta Braves</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-24481"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/baltimore-orioles/" title="View all posts filed under Baltimore Orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-138274"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/barry-bonds/" title="View all posts filed under Barry Bonds">Barry Bonds</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-983086"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bartolo-colon/" title="View all posts filed under Bartolo Colon">Bartolo Colon</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-6192089"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bo-porter/" title="View all posts filed under Bo Porter">Bo Porter</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1034637"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bob-melvin/" title="View all posts filed under Bob Melvin">Bob Melvin</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-455635"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bobby-valentine/" title="View all posts filed under Bobby Valentine">Bobby Valentine</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-19031"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/boston-red-sox/" title="View all posts filed under Boston Red Sox">Boston Red Sox</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-39578768"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/brandon-beachy/" title="View all posts filed under Brandon Beachy">Brandon Beachy</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-904147"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/brett-anderson/" title="View all posts filed under Brett Anderson">Brett Anderson</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-11449836"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bryce-harper/" title="View all posts filed under Bryce Harper">Bryce Harper</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1477621"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/buck-showalter/" title="View all posts filed under Buck Showalter">Buck Showalter</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-582751"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/bud-selig/" title="View all posts filed under Bud Selig">Bud Selig</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-6342521"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/c-j-wilson/" title="View all posts filed under C.J. Wilson">C.J. Wilson</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-456306"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/carl-crawford/" title="View all posts filed under Carl Crawford">Carl Crawford</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-447057"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/carlos-beltran/" title="View all posts filed under Carlos Beltran">Carlos Beltran</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-442383"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/carlos-lee/" title="View all posts filed under Carlos Lee">Carlos Lee</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1205493"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/cc-sabathia/" title="View all posts filed under CC Sabathia">CC Sabathia</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-620655"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chad-tracy/" title="View all posts filed under Chad Tracy">Chad Tracy</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1993514"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chase-headley/" title="View all posts filed under Chase Headley">Chase Headley</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-468000"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chase-utley/" title="View all posts filed under Chase Utley">Chase Utley</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-40033"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chicago-cubs/" title="View all posts filed under Chicago Cubs">Chicago Cubs</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-55476"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chicago-white-sox/" title="View all posts filed under Chicago White Sox">Chicago White Sox</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-922805"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chipper-jones/" title="View all posts filed under Chipper Jones">Chipper Jones</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-226901"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chris-carpenter/" title="View all posts filed under Chris Carpenter">Chris Carpenter</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-33551606"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/chris-sale/" title="View all posts filed under Chris Sale">Chris Sale</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-66500"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/cincinnati-reds/" title="View all posts filed under Cincinnati Reds">Cincinnati Reds</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2773661"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/clayton-kershaw/" title="View all posts filed under Clayton Kershaw">Clayton Kershaw</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-54101"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/cleveland-indians/" title="View all posts filed under Cleveland Indians">Cleveland Indians</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3068499"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/cliff-lee/" title="View all posts filed under Cliff Lee">Cliff Lee</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1208197"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/clint-hurdle/" title="View all posts filed under Clint Hurdle">Clint Hurdle</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-477639"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/cole-hamels/" title="View all posts filed under Cole Hamels">Cole Hamels</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-157606"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/colorado-rockies/" title="View all posts filed under Colorado Rockies">Colorado Rockies</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-444278"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/daisuke-matsuzaka/" title="View all posts filed under Daisuke Matsuzaka">Daisuke Matsuzaka</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1207552"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/dan-uggla/" title="View all posts filed under Dan Uggla">Dan Uggla</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3028140"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/dave-dombrowski/" title="View all posts filed under Dave Dombrowski">Dave Dombrowski</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4490577"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/davey-johnson/" title="View all posts filed under Davey Johnson">Davey Johnson</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-136749"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/david-ortiz/" title="View all posts filed under David Ortiz">David Ortiz</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-511654"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/david-price/" title="View all posts filed under David Price">David Price</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-25207005"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/designated-hitters/" title="View all posts filed under Designated hitters">Designated hitters</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-34877"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/detroit-tigers/" title="View all posts filed under Detroit Tigers">Detroit Tigers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-8213789"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/dewayne-wise/" title="View all posts filed under Dewayne Wise">Dewayne Wise</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1997520"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/division-series/" title="View all posts filed under Division Series">Division Series</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-444267"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/dontrelle-willis/" title="View all posts filed under Dontrelle Willis">Dontrelle Willis</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-8362707"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/dustin-ackley/" title="View all posts filed under Dustin Ackley">Dustin Ackley</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1748540"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/edinson-volquez/" title="View all posts filed under Edinson Volquez">Edinson Volquez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2323543"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/edwin-encarnacion/" title="View all posts filed under Edwin Encarnacion">Edwin Encarnacion</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-7042436"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/eric-hosmer/" title="View all posts filed under Eric Hosmer">Eric Hosmer</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4951754"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/eric-oflaherty/" title="View all posts filed under Eric O'Flaherty">Eric O'Flaherty</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3276332"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/evan-longoria/" title="View all posts filed under Evan Longoria">Evan Longoria</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-91136"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/felix-hernandez/" title="View all posts filed under Felix Hernandez">Felix Hernandez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-81043653"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/giancarlo-stanton/" title="View all posts filed under Giancarlo Stanton">Giancarlo Stanton</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-35551"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/hall-of-fame/" title="View all posts filed under Hall of Fame">Hall of Fame</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2507635"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/heath-bell/" title="View all posts filed under Heath Bell">Heath Bell</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-744564"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/hideki-matsui/" title="View all posts filed under Hideki Matsui">Hideki Matsui</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-464514"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/hiroki-kuroda/" title="View all posts filed under Hiroki Kuroda">Hiroki Kuroda</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-21363"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/houston-astros/" title="View all posts filed under Houston Astros">Houston Astros</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1024441"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/hunter-pence/" title="View all posts filed under Hunter Pence">Hunter Pence</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-992139"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/ichiro-suzuki/" title="View all posts filed under Ichiro Suzuki">Ichiro Suzuki</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-55627720"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/if-the-season-ended-today/" title="View all posts filed under If the season ended today">If the season ended today</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-598224"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/instant-replay/" title="View all posts filed under instant replay">instant replay</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-5379967"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/ivan-nova/" title="View all posts filed under Ivan Nova">Ivan Nova</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-892409"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jacoby-ellsbury/" title="View all posts filed under Jacoby Ellsbury">Jacoby Ellsbury</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1777578"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/james-shields/" title="View all posts filed under James Shields">James Shields</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1804535"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jamie-moyer/" title="View all posts filed under Jamie Moyer">Jamie Moyer</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-5661514"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jarrod-parker/" title="View all posts filed under Jarrod Parker">Jarrod Parker</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-564600"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jeff-luhnow/" title="View all posts filed under Jeff Luhnow">Jeff Luhnow</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1818465"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jered-weaver/" title="View all posts filed under Jered Weaver">Jered Weaver</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1241669"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jesus-montero/" title="View all posts filed under Jesus Montero">Jesus Montero</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1150301"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jim-leyland/" title="View all posts filed under Jim Leyland">Jim Leyland</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1309160"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jim-thome/" title="View all posts filed under Jim Thome">Jim Thome</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1839572"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jim-tracy/" title="View all posts filed under Jim Tracy">Jim Tracy</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-42723505"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jimmy-rolllins/" title="View all posts filed under Jimmy Rolllins">Jimmy Rolllins</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1087699"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/joe-blanton/" title="View all posts filed under Joe Blanton">Joe Blanton</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1151568"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/joe-maddon/" title="View all posts filed under Joe Maddon">Joe Maddon</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-638508"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/joe-mauer/" title="View all posts filed under Joe Mauer">Joe Mauer</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4820030"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/joel-peralta/" title="View all posts filed under Joel Peralta">Joel Peralta</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3233231"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/joey-votto/" title="View all posts filed under Joey Votto">Joey Votto</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-455619"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/johan-santana/" title="View all posts filed under Johan Santana">Johan Santana</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-669187"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/johnny-damon/" title="View all posts filed under Johnny Damon">Johnny Damon</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-912047"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/johnny-pesky/" title="View all posts filed under Johnny Pesky">Johnny Pesky</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1820199"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jonathan-broxton/" title="View all posts filed under Jonathan Broxton">Jonathan Broxton</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-136748"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jonathan-papelbon/" title="View all posts filed under Jonathan Papelbon">Jonathan Papelbon</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-34775402"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jorge-soler/" title="View all posts filed under Jorge Soler">Jorge Soler</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1839521"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jose-bautista/" title="View all posts filed under Jose Bautista">Jose Bautista</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-448220"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/jose-reyes/" title="View all posts filed under Jose Reyes">Jose Reyes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-136760"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/josh-beckett/" title="View all posts filed under Josh Beckett">Josh Beckett</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-985401"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/josh-hamilton/" title="View all posts filed under Josh Hamilton">Josh Hamilton</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4250336"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/josh-johnson/" title="View all posts filed under Josh Johnson">Josh Johnson</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2550870"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/justin-smoak/" title="View all posts filed under Justin Smoak">Justin Smoak</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1993516"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/justin-upton/" title="View all posts filed under Justin Upton">Justin Upton</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-474199"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/justin-verlander/" title="View all posts filed under Justin Verlander">Justin Verlander</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-33966"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/kansas-city-royals/" title="View all posts filed under Kansas City Royals">Kansas City Royals</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-136754"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/kevin-youkilis/" title="View all posts filed under Kevin Youkilis">Kevin Youkilis</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-2716362"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/loogy/" title="View all posts filed under LOOGY">LOOGY</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-56024"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/los-angeles-angels-of-anaheim/" title="View all posts filed under Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim">Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-34576"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/los-angeles-dodgers/" title="View all posts filed under Los Angeles Dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-476250"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/manny-acta/" title="View all posts filed under Manny Acta">Manny Acta</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-136751"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/manny-ramirez/" title="View all posts filed under Manny Ramirez">Manny Ramirez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-740673"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/mark-buehrle/" title="View all posts filed under Mark Buehrle">Mark Buehrle</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1105638"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/mark-teixeira/" title="View all posts filed under Mark Teixeira">Mark Teixeira</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1264114"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/martin-perez/" title="View all posts filed under Martin Perez">Martin Perez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-22341991"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/mat-latos/" title="View all posts filed under Mat Latos">Mat Latos</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-477638"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/matt-cain/" title="View all posts filed under Matt Cain">Matt Cain</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1543427"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/matt-kemp/" title="View all posts filed under Matt Kemp">Matt Kemp</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1152751"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/melky-cabrera/" title="View all posts filed under Melky Cabrera">Melky Cabrera</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-7062489"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/miami-marlins/" title="View all posts filed under Miami Marlins">Miami Marlins</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-638510"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/michael-cuddyer/" title="View all posts filed under Michael Cuddyer">Michael Cuddyer</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-467999"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/miguel-cabrera/" title="View all posts filed under Miguel Cabrera">Miguel Cabrera</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3193724"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/mike-morse/" title="View all posts filed under Mike Morse">Mike Morse</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-20757783"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/mike-trout/" title="View all posts filed under Mike Trout">Mike Trout</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-188555"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/milwaukee-brewers/" title="View all posts filed under Milwaukee Brewers">Milwaukee Brewers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-43214"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/minnesota-twins/" title="View all posts filed under Minnesota Twins">Minnesota Twins</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-291989"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/national-league/" title="View all posts filed under National League">National League</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-8476970"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/neftali-feliz/" title="View all posts filed under Neftali Feliz">Neftali Feliz</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-14441"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/new-york-mets/" title="View all posts filed under New York Mets">New York Mets</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-18445"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/new-york-yankees/" title="View all posts filed under New York Yankees">New York Yankees</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-641885"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/nick-swisher/" title="View all posts filed under Nick Swisher">Nick Swisher</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-415025"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/nlds/" title="View all posts filed under NLDS">NLDS</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1071810"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/no-hitters/" title="View all posts filed under No-hitters">No-hitters</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-28862"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/oakland-as/" title="View all posts filed under Oakland A's">Oakland A's</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1318399"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/omar-vizquel/" title="View all posts filed under Omar Vizquel">Omar Vizquel</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-733193"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/ozzie-guillen/" title="View all posts filed under Ozzie Guillen">Ozzie Guillen</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-114324151"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/pennant-race-standings/" title="View all posts filed under Pennant Race Standings">Pennant Race Standings</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1690270"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/pennant-races/" title="View all posts filed under Pennant races">Pennant races</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-19877"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/philadelphia-phillies/" title="View all posts filed under Philadelphia Phillies">Philadelphia Phillies</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-140059"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/pittsburgh-pirates/" title="View all posts filed under Pittsburgh Pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4801030"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/playoff-preview/" title="View all posts filed under Playoff preview">Playoff preview</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-19331986"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/postseason-schedule/" title="View all posts filed under Postseason schedule">Postseason schedule</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1398056"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/prince-fielder/" title="View all posts filed under Prince Fielder">Prince Fielder</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-6215212"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/r-a-dickey/" title="View all posts filed under R.A. Dickey">R.A. Dickey</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1208165"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/raul-ibanez/" title="View all posts filed under Raul Ibanez">Raul Ibanez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-467996"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/robinson-cano/" title="View all posts filed under Robinson Cano">Robinson Cano</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-161200"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/roger-clemens/" title="View all posts filed under Roger Clemens">Roger Clemens</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-28762"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/rosters/" title="View all posts filed under rosters">rosters</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-477645"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/roy-halladay/" title="View all posts filed under Roy Halladay">Roy Halladay</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-477644"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/roy-oswalt/" title="View all posts filed under Roy Oswalt">Roy Oswalt</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-733502"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/ryan-dempster/" title="View all posts filed under Ryan Dempster">Ryan Dempster</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-55079"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/san-diego-padres/" title="View all posts filed under San Diego Padres">San Diego Padres</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-34581"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/san-francisco-giants/" title="View all posts filed under San Francisco Giants">San Francisco Giants</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-20019"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/schedule/" title="View all posts filed under Schedule">Schedule</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-150621"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/scott-rolen/" title="View all posts filed under Scott Rolen">Scott Rolen</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-958"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/seattle-mariners/" title="View all posts filed under Seattle Mariners">Seattle Mariners</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1181461"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/shane-victorino/" title="View all posts filed under Shane Victorino">Shane Victorino</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3701631"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/shin-soo-choo/" title="View all posts filed under Shin-Soo Choo">Shin-Soo Choo</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-497"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/site-news/" title="View all posts filed under Site News">Site News</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3352461"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/snubs/" title="View all posts filed under Snubs">Snubs</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-72625"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/specialists/" title="View all posts filed under Specialists">Specialists</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-109041"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/st-louis-cardinals/" title="View all posts filed under St. Louis Cardinals">St. Louis Cardinals</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-22617498"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/starlin-castro/" title="View all posts filed under Starlin Castro">Starlin Castro</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1024503"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/stephen-drew/" title="View all posts filed under Stephen Drew">Stephen Drew</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4888982"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/stephen-strasburg/" title="View all posts filed under Stephen Strasburg">Stephen Strasburg</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1016778"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/tampa-bay-rays/" title="View all posts filed under Tampa Bay Rays">Tampa Bay Rays</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-116026581"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/team-entropy/" title="View all posts filed under Team Entropy">Team Entropy</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-996275"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/terry-francona/" title="View all posts filed under Terry Francona">Terry Francona</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-27674"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/texas-rangers/" title="View all posts filed under Texas Rangers">Texas Rangers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-99822"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/theo-epstein/" title="View all posts filed under Theo Epstein">Theo Epstein</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1062174"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/tim-lincecum/" title="View all posts filed under Tim Lincecum">Tim Lincecum</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-3289929"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/tim-raines/" title="View all posts filed under Tim Raines">Tim Raines</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-5965836"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/todd-frazier/" title="View all posts filed under Todd Frazier">Todd Frazier</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-428823"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/tony-la-russa/" title="View all posts filed under Tony La Russa">Tony La Russa</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-112146"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/toronto-blue-jays/" title="View all posts filed under Toronto Blue Jays">Toronto Blue Jays</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1595"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/trade/" title="View all posts filed under Trade">Trade</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-258105"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/trade-deadline/" title="View all posts filed under Trade deadline">Trade deadline</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-18646673"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/trevor-bauer/" title="View all posts filed under Trevor Bauer">Trevor Bauer</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-12464"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/triple-crown/" title="View all posts filed under Triple Crown">Triple Crown</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-7946"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/umpires/" title="View all posts filed under Umpires">Umpires</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/uncategorized/" title="View all posts filed under Uncategorized">Uncategorized</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-981104"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/vlad-guerrero/" title="View all posts filed under Vlad Guerrero">Vlad Guerrero</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-420917"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/wait-til-next-year/" title="View all posts filed under Wait 'Til Next Year">Wait 'Til Next Year</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4815291"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/wandy-rodriguez/" title="View all posts filed under Wandy Rodriguez">Wandy Rodriguez</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-21952"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/washington-nationals/" title="View all posts filed under Washington Nationals">Washington Nationals</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-7700437"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/weekend-watch/" title="View all posts filed under Weekend Watch">Weekend Watch</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-116565484"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/wild-card-playoff-game/" title="View all posts filed under Wild-card playoff game">Wild-card playoff game</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-12805942"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/will-middlebrooks/" title="View all posts filed under Will Middlebrooks">Will Middlebrooks</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1595188"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/yu-darvish/" title="View all posts filed under Yu Darvish">Yu Darvish</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-4254862"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/category/zack-greinke/" title="View all posts filed under Zack Greinke">Zack Greinke</a> </li> </ul> </div></div>  <div class="rightbox" id="quigo"> <script type="text/javascript"> adsonar_placementId=1495375;adsonar_pid=1176767;adsonar_ps=-1;adsonar_zw=295;adsonar_zh=250; </script> <script>cnnad_createSL();</script> </div> </div> <div class="cnnClear"></div> </div></div> <div id="footer" style="height: 195px;"> <div class="cnnRight" style="height: 155px;"> <ul> <li class="logo"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.1/global/footer_logo.jpg" alt="SI.com" title="SI.com"/></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://subscription-assets.si.com/prod/assets/themes/magazines/default/template-resources/html/THEOX/splits/si-ros-footer.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SUBSCRIBE TO SI</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.sportsillustratedeverywhere.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DIGITAL EDITION</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mobile/">SI MOBILE</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/about_us/jobs/">JOBS</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/sitemap/">SITE MAP</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/https://subscription.si.com/storefront/subscribe-to-sports-illustrated/link/1001406.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GIVE THE GIFT OF SI</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sipictures.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SI PICTURE SALES</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.sportsillustratedsnapshot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PICTURES OF THE DAY</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/about_us/">ABOUT US</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://simediakit.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SI MEDIA KITS</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://www.sicovers.com/default.aspx?utm_source=sicom&utm_medium=ftr&utm_campaign=icrefer&xid=siftr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SI COVER COLLECTION</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sicustomerservice.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SI CUSTOMER SERVICE</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/magazine/si.books/">SI BOOKS</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/about_us/feedback/">CONTACT US</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/services/rss/">ADD RSS HEADLINE</a></li> </ul> <div class="cnnClear"></div> <div class="legal"> Copyright © 2012 Time Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/interactive_legal.html">Terms</a> under which this service is provided to you. Read our <a rel="nofollow" href="/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/privacy/">privacy guidelines</a>.</div> </div> <p id="wp_vip"> Powered by <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://en.wordpress.com/vip-hosting/" target="_blank">WordPress.com VIP</a> </p> <div id="search"> <form method="get" id="searchform" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/search/"> <div> <input type="text" name="text" id="text" value="search SI.com" onclick="if(this.value == 'search SI.com') this.value='';" onblur="if(this.value.length == 0) this.value='search SI.com';"/> <input name="" type="image" id="go" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/blogs/poz/search_icon.png"/> </div> </form> </div> </div> <br/> <br/>   <script language="JavaScript">siAds.tracking();</script> <script type="text/javascript"> var isWordpress = true; </script>  <script language="JavaScript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/js/4.1/global/jsmd/metadata.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/js/4.1/global/jsmd/jsmd.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript">  </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _qevents = _qevents || [], wpcomQuantcastData = {"qacct":"p-18-mFEk4J448M","labels":",language.en,type.wpcom,vip.simlb"}; function wpcomQuantcastPixel( labels, options ) { var i, defaults = wpcomQuantcastData, data = { event: 'ajax' }; labels = labels || ''; options = options || {}; if ( typeof labels != 'string' ) options = labels; for ( i in defaults ) { data[i] = defaults[i]; } for ( i in options ) { data[i] = options[i]; } if ( data.labels ) { data.labels += ',' + labels; } else { data.labels = labels; } _qevents.push( data ); }; (function() {var elem = document.createElement('script');elem.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/https://secure" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js";elem.async = true;elem.type = "text/javascript";var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];scpt.parentNode.insertBefore(elem, scpt); })(); _qevents.push( wpcomQuantcastData ); </script> <noscript><div style="display: none;"><img src="//web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-18-mFEk4J448M.gif?labels=%2Clanguage.en%2Ctype.wpcom%2Cvip.simlb" height="1" width="1" alt=""/></div></noscript> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ (function($){ $(document).on( 'ready post-load', function() { // Remove the login box when clicking the page $( document ).mousedown( function( e ) { if ( null == $( e.target ).closest( '#wpl-mustlogin' ).get( 0 ) ) { $( '#wpl-mustlogin' ).remove(); } }); // Handle clicking the like button itself $('.wpl-button > a.like').click( function(e) { e.preventDefault(); var postid = $(this).parent().attr('id').split('like-')[1]; $.post( 'https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', { 'action': 'wpl_record_stat', 'stat_name': 'loggedout_like_click' } ); var tenMins = new Date(); tenMins.setTime( tenMins.getTime() + 600000 ); document.cookie = 'wpl_rand=43c77c3569; expires=' + tenMins.toGMTString() + '; domain=wordpress.com; path=/;'; $(this).parent().siblings('.wpl-count').after( '\ <div id="wpl-mustlogin"> \ <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/https://simlb.wordpress.com/wp-login.php" method="post"> \ <p>Just one more step to like this:</p> \ <label><span>Username</span> <input type="text" name="log" id="user_login" class="input" value="" size="20" tabindex="80" /></label> \ <label><span>Password</span> <input type="password" name="pwd" id="user_pass" class="input" value="" size="20" tabindex="81" /></label> \ <input type="submit" name="wp-submit" id="wp-submit" class="button-primary" value="Log In" tabindex="82" /> \ <input type="hidden" name="postid" value="' + postid + '" /> \ <input type="hidden" name="redirect_to" value="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/2012/10/10/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds?year=2012&monthnum=10&day=10&name=alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds&like=1" /> \ <input type="hidden" name="wpl_rand" value="43c77c3569" /> \ <p>Not a member yet? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://wordpress.com/signup/?ref=likebox" id="wpl-signup-link">Sign up with WordPress.com</a></p> \ </form> \ </div> \ '); $('#wpl-mustlogin').hide().slideDown('fast'); } ); $('#wpl-mustlogin input.input').live( 'focus', function() { $(this).prev().hide(); }).live( 'blur', function() { if ( $(this).val() == '' ) { $(this).prev().show(); } }); $('#wpl-mustlogin input#wp-submit').live( 'click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); $.post( 'https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', { 'action': 'wpl_record_stat', 'stat_name': 'loggedout_login_submit' }, function() { $('#wpl-mustlogin form').submit(); } ); }); $('#wpl-mustlogin a#wpl-signup-link').live( 'click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); var link = $(this).attr('href'); $.post( 'https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://mlb.si.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', { 'action': 'wpl_record_stat', 'stat_name': 'loggedout_signup_click' }, function() { location.href = link; } ); }); }) })(jQuery); /* ]]> */ </script> <div id="BF_WIDGET_1"> </div><script type="text/javascript">(function( ){BF_WIDGET_JS=document.createElement("script"); BF_WIDGET_JS.type="text/javascript"; BF_WIDGET_SRC="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://ct.buzzfeed.com/wd/UserWidget?u=sportsillustrated.cnn.com&to=1&or=vb&wid=1&cb=" + (new Date()).getTime(); setTimeout(function() {document.getElementById("BF_WIDGET_1").appendChild(BF_WIDGET_JS);BF_WIDGET_JS.src=BF_WIDGET_SRC},1); })();</script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s.gravatar.com/js/gprofiles.js?ver=201241ab"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var WPGroHo = {"my_hash":""}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s1.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/gravatar-hovercards/wpgroho.js?m=1318621548g"></script> <script>jQuery(document).ready(function($){ Gravatar.profile_cb = function( h, d ) { WPGroHo.syncProfileData( h, d ); }; Gravatar.my_hash = WPGroHo.my_hash; Gravatar.init( 'body', '#wp-admin-bar-my-account' ); });</script> <div style="display:none"> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var HighlanderComments = {"loggingInText":"Logging In\u2026","submittingText":"Posting Comment\u2026","postCommentText":"Post Comment","connectingToText":"Connecting to %s","commentingAsText":"%1$s: You are commenting using your %2$s account.","logoutText":"Log Out","loginText":"Log In","connectURL":"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121011193025\/http:\/\/simlb.wordpress.com\/public.api\/connect\/?action=request","logoutURL":"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121011193025\/http:\/\/simlb.wordpress.com\/wp-login.php?action=logout&_wpnonce=24a02d4e5c","homeURL":"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121011193025\/http:\/\/mlb.si.com\/","postID":"2392","gravDefault":"identicon","enterACommentError":"Please enter a comment","enterEmailError":"Please enter your email address here","invalidEmailError":"Invalid email address","enterAuthorError":"Please enter your name here","gravatarFromEmail":"This picture will show whenever you leave a comment. Click to customize it.","logInToExternalAccount":"Log in to use details from one of these accounts.","change":"Change","changeAccount":"Change Account","comment_registration":"","userIsLoggedIn":"","isJetpack":"0"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/highlander-comments/script.js?m=1349905738g"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> WPCOM_sharing_counts = {"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121011193025\/http:\/\/mlb.si.com\/2012\/10\/10\/alex-rodriguez-yankees-lineup-alds\/":2392} </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s2.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/post-flair/sharing/sharing.js?m=1349904728g"></script> <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"> jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery( '.share-twitter' ).click(function(){ window.open( jQuery(this).attr( 'href' ), 'wpcomtwitter', 'menubar=1,resizable=1,width=600,height=350' ); return false; }); }); </script> <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"> jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery( '.share-facebook' ).click(function(){ window.open( jQuery(this).attr( 'href' ), 'wpcomfacebook', 'menubar=1,resizable=1,width=600,height=400' ); return false; }); }); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js?ver=20111117"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s1.wp.com/wp-content/js/devicepx.js?m=1349105731g"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> // <![CDATA[ (function() { try{ if ( window.external &&'msIsSiteMode' in window.external) { if (window.external.msIsSiteMode()) { var jl = document.createElement('script'); jl.type='text/javascript'; jl.async=true; jl.src='/wp-content/plugins/ie-sitemode/custom-jumplist.php'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(jl, s); } } }catch(e){} })(); // ]]> </script><script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025js_/http://s.stats.wordpress.com/w.js?21" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> st_go({'blog':'36044958','v':'wpcom','user_id':'0','post':'2392','subd':'simlb'}); function st_vt() {var x=document.createElement("img");x.src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025/http://stats.wordpress.com/g.gif?blog=36044958&v=wpcomvt&user_id=0&post=2392&subd=simlb&rand="+Math.random();} ex_go({'crypt':'UE40eW5QN0p8M2Y/RE1BNmNJfGhxNCVxUDExYmtib2E/SzdEJm0lUEtbdFU0fFk4cHZvcUFrZT90Tn4yQm1+R3NyNTcwVHwrfjZwXVM1Smt6THRKS1srLiZtUUthZkgrPUxEblowT0NVWEQ0bi5XMGg9NS5uSlVTK0tbSTJ1Ty9zcEVfRkxnMXArJlBrJXg2PUMzUTBveEtxMXI5cWlTWTNXeTg0Qj9zS0c4Rm15YjguYThzWjU9WmVBU0ZIVmNUXX56LTlxOV9NQlVQZVh8alpQbkFhPStaWDZmPTFHMEZbQVEyN19qRG8xTGNtV29xRTUyUi9wYy9bblE/Ng=='}); addLoadEvent(function(){linktracker_init('36044958',2392);}); </script> <noscript><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20121011193025im_/http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?v=noscript" style="height:0px;width:0px;overflow:hidden" alt=""/></noscript> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM