A-Rod will serve as instructor for Yankees spring training
Alex Rodriguez's transition from player to coach is on the verge of taking place.
New York Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced Thursday that A-Rod will be in Tampa serving as an instructor for two separate stints during the club's spring training.
"I left it with (Rodriguez) ... to call (GM Brian Cashman) and work it out with Cash, but he clearly wants to be a part of it," Steinbrenner told David Lennon of Newsday. "So I think you'll probably see him toward the beginning and probably toward the middle. It’s really up to Cashman when particularly he wants him."
The Yankees gave Rodriguez an unconditional release from his player contract last August in order to sign him as a special adviser and instructor that will see him with the club through December 2017. Rodriguez was also free to pursue a playing opportunity with another team if he chose to.
Despite his transgressions, Rodriguez has earned a strong reputation as a valuable clubhouse presence. He's been praised for his leadership and work with younger players, which makes him a strong asset for a club like the Yankees who are transforming their roster toward youth.
"I told Alex, six months ago or so, his impact with the young kids, he's such a good teacher, and he's such a good mentor," Steinbrenner said.
"I just love when he's down at the (minor-league complex), working with the (Gleyber) Torres and the (Jorge) Mateos of the world, and I think he loves it too. But he's always welcome in the Bronx, he knows that, in whatever role he wants. We have not gotten past March yet."
The Yankees are still paying the remaining $21 million of Rodriguez's player contract, which expires at the end of this season.