A-Rod does himself no favors with handwritten apology

When the most powerful executives from the New York Yankees sat down last week with Alex Rodriguez - their relationship splintered like a bat that couldn't catch up with an inside fastball - one request was made of the embattled 39-year-old.

Rodriguez, who will head shortly to Tampa Bay for spring training resolved to revive his career following a record 162-game suspension, was asked to face the media in New York and answer tough questions about his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal and all the ignominious drama that followed.

Instead, Rodriguez stayed true to his reputation and acted in the interest of Alex Rodriguez.

On Tuesday, he sent a handwritten note to ESPN to apologize for his most recent transgression in what amounted to a five-paragraph affront to those fans who (rightly or wrongly) felt entitled to an explanation, an apology and, perhaps, a genuine look of contrition. Rodriguez even had Yankee Stadium at his disposal for a potential apology, but the 14-time All-Star preferred the unscrutinizing confines of his home office.

Related: A-Rod makes vague apology, turns down news conference

That's because Rodriguez knows his relationship with baseball fans can't be repaired. The three-time Most Valuable Player even acknowledged in his letter that "many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point."

Rodriguez could've used this opportunity to repair his tattered relationship with the Yankees, but instead let it pass by like a 3-0 breaking ball.

Though another public apology would've had but a negligible effect on a legacy irreparably damaged, Rodriguez's unwillingness to acquiesce to his employer's request only further reinforced his reputation as a self-serving rogue not remotely concerned with the opinions of those around him. 

Rodriguez could've plopped himself down behind a podium and spouted the same platitudes contained within Tuesday's apology simply for the sake of placating his employer - who, by the way, is set to pay him $64 million over the next three years. But even with nothing to lose, Rodriguez couldn't be bothered.

A public apology would not have spared Rodriguez from the barrage of abuse that's looming. There's not a ballpark in baseball - Yankee Stadium included - that won't prove a hostile environment for the veteran who's expected to vie for regular at-bats as designated hitter this season.

Rodriguez, however, could've at least earned back some allies from his own organization had he simply labored through a press conference to answer for his indiscretions (an event, incidentally, that may have been attended by some of his teammates). Instead, he will likely venture into hostile territory this season without the unequivocal support of the Yankees organization and, presumably, with some canned resentment from those he shares a clubhouse with.

You have to give him some credit, though. Only Alex Rodriguez could find a way to be alone in New York City.