Poll: would you want A-Rod to retire?

[Huktonfonix]

Pretend that in some crazy fantasy world, A-Rod was so ashamed of the steroid scandal that he decided to retire and leave hundreds of millions on the table rather than deal with the controversy.

Would you want that? Would it benefit the Yankees?

[NYYDragoon]

No, I would not want that. We'd have a massive hole in the lineup that would not be easily repaired.

[YanksFan1992]

Uhh, absolutely, 100 percent no.

[Steve Dalkowski]

Absolutely.

[fredgmuggs]

I want him to hit home runs and drive in runs for the Yankees.

I don't have to love the guy to want his stick in the line-up.

[cyhughes22]

No, I'd rather turn him, Brackman, Betances, Jackson and cash into Pujols but then I have an entirely hetero man crush on Albert so I don't know how much my opinion counts.

[NYYDragoon]

Absolutely.

Quiet, you.

[Huktonfonix]

For the record, as frustrating as the Alex Rodriguez sideshow is, I 100% want him on the team. He's one of the best (probably the best) players in the game, and no matter how absurd his contract is I don't see any way that his production could be replaced.

This poll was meant, in part, to be a reality check on the people who regret the signing/want him traded/gone/etc.

[Ynkcpt23]

For the record, as frustrating as the Alex Rodriguez sideshow is, I 100% want him on the team. He's one of the best (probably the best) players in the game, and no matter how absurd his contract is I don't see any way that his production could be replaced.

This poll was meant, in part, to be a reality check on the people who regret the signing/want him traded/gone/etc.

It's a loaded question, and pretty well put considering how many different perspectives are bound to come out. I consider him to be the most complete baseball player I've ever seen. I want him on my team. I've been thrilled watching him for these few years and I fully expect to enjoy watching him hit bombs out of the new Stadium.

[AcidLake]

as much as I hate see this happening, the man is irreplacable

[ppa79]

Who is gonna play 3rd then?

[stephsamps]

I am probably in the minority, but honestly I would rather he not be on the team. I would prefer that the Yankees could focus on winning vs. whatever Alex's issue du jour is. It's no secret that I haven't been a fan of Alex's personality, but I always did defend his talent. If this is true, it's much harder to do so. And 9 years is a hell of a long time for a distraction. Not to mention the insane money he is getting. We could get a pitcher, CF and 3B for the money he is getting paid.

[ppa79]

. Not to mention the insane money he is getting. We could get a pitcher, CF and 3B for the money he is getting paid.

We can? What CF, 3B, and pitcher could we get for that money? Elite talent doesn't grow on trees.

[stephsamps]

We can? What CF, 3B, and pitcher could we get for that money? Elite talent doesn't grow on trees.

For example - Derek Lowe ($15 mil per year); Casey Blake ($5.3 mil per year); Juan Rivera )$3.25 mil) = $23.75 mil, which is still less than the cost of Alex. While none of them are the "elite" quality of Alex, but I am not sure Alex is as "elite" as he was supposed to be before.

[ppa79]

For example - Derek Lowe ($15 mil per year); Casey Blake ($5.3 mil per year); Juan Rivera )$3.25 mil) = $23.75 mil, which is still less than the cost of Alex. While none of them are the "elite" quality of Alex, but I am not sure Alex is as "elite" as he was supposed to be before.

So you would use Alex's money to get mediocre players? 3 mediocre players doesn't make 1 elite player.

[JDPNYY]

I reserve the right to pass judgement until I read the book.

[Bambino22]

Massive facepalm.

[stephsamps]

So you would use Alex's money to get mediocre players? 3 mediocre players doesn't make 1 elite player.

Perhaps, but one elite player obviously doesn't put a team over the top and it remains to be seen how elite he will be in the face of this distraction. I didn't think he was worth the money before the steroid allegations, so I certainly don't think he is worth the money now and those bonuses are a total joke and will continue to bring this issue up each time he passes another home run great.

[4bronxbombers]

Absolutely.

Hey!

[ppa79]

Perhaps, but one elite player obviously doesn't put a team over the top and it remains to be seen how elite he will be in the face of this distraction. I didn't think he was worth the money before the steroid allegations, so I certainly don't think he is worth the money now and those bonuses are a total joke and will continue to bring this issue up each time he passes another home run great.

I'm not saying he is worth the money, but if my choice is getting him or 3 mediocre players I get him.

When he steps on the diamond, the distractions go away. Its only off the field this stuff will be a problem.

[YankeePride1967]

For example - Derek Lowe ($15 mil per year); Casey Blake ($5.3 mil per year); Juan Rivera )$3.25 mil) = $23.75 mil, which is still less than the cost of Alex. While none of them are the "elite" quality of Alex, but I am not sure Alex is as "elite" as he was supposed to be before.

Okay, where do we play Rivera? Lowe over who? Pettitte or Burnett? Either way not much of a difference and Blake? If did this, we'll be lucky to finish third.

[Rocketbooster]

My choice wasn't on there.......

I do like Alex, but I don't support his decision to use steroids. That said, I would never want him to retire because of this. He still loves the game - he should keep on playing it. He's going to have to change his mentality, though. Ignore the papers and just concentrate on the game; the diamond is his sanctuary. People, home and road, will roast him. He knows to expect this, so he should just let his natural talent flow. What he needs is tunnel vision. If he retires, he will regret it.

[Rocketbooster]

So you would use Alex's money to get mediocre players? 3 mediocre players doesn't make 1 elite player.

LOL I agree - that would be HORRIBLE to say the least. I read that and went ...."ugh".

[JeffWeaverFan]

Without him, we are not a playoff team. At least not this year.

[yankee82093]

What does it matter if he retires or not? If he retires his career will still be tarnished and we will be without our 3-time MVP third baseman. As long as he's a cheat I'd rather him still play then not play at all cause retiring would not help anything. Even though all of his distractions and antics are a major negative, I don't think they outweigh his positives on the field.