A-Rod thinks this is time for MLB to get creative: 'Fans want to see more'

ESPN analyst Alex Rodriguez is ready for Major League Baseball to think outside the box when the season returns.

The former New York Yankees All-Star discussed a number of topics during a recent appearance on ESPN's "Get Up!" and said he'd even be in favor of the extra-innings home run derby idea proposed by Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner.

"In 2020, I love everything," A-Rod said. "The one thing we have to signal to the world is, if you're a traditionalist, Major League Baseball is not for you. If you have any naughty, disruptive, crazy idea, make it happen this year. Try everything. Pilot everything.

"Open up the floodgates, open up the batting cage, mic up players every single game, have baseball put their best foot forward," he added. "Fans want to see more, they want to hear more, and JT Turner always has some great ideas, why not, I like it, let it fly."

During the same appearance, the three-time MVP touched on MLB's reported plan to potentially start the season in early May with all 30 teams playing in empty stadiums in the greater Phoenix area.

While Rodriguez confessed there "are no bad ideas" right now, he did say the plan would take time for the players to adjust to the new start date, as well as being away from their families.

"I think to start thinking as a player, preparing for the earliest time possible is the greatest thing we can do," he explained. "The worst thing for a player would be 'Hey, we think it’s August, August, August' and then the commissioner says we're opening things up and you have to show up May 15th and you're not quite ready. So I think it’ll be an adjustment, but we would follow suit."

While A-Rod may not be opposed to a potential May start, some other players, including Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brett Anderson, are thinking differently.