Fansided

5 reasons the Yankees should release Alex Rodriguez

By Brad Berreman

May 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) gets ready at third base during the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The New York Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) gets ready at third base during the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The New York Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Rob Tringali-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Rob Tringali-Getty Images /

1. A Steep Offensive Drop-Off

Rodriguez hit well early in his comeback from his performance-enhancing drug suspension last season, with a .282/.386/.544 slash-line, 24 home runs and 61 RBI over 407 plate appearances through July 31. The A-Rod of old was back, right?

Not so fast though, as Rodriguez has fallen off dramatically since that point. Over 446 plate appearances since Aug. 1 last year, he has a .198/.276/.367 slash-line with 18 home runs and 54 RBI. The decline has been particularly steep this year, with a .205/.253/.358 slash-line with nine home runs and 29 RBI over 61 games (233 plate appearances), and dating back to June 24 he has just one home run and four RBI (.175/.238/.246 slash-line) over 63 plate appearances.

Rodriguez’s decline has come quickly, as it often does for even the best players in their sport. People within the organization have given him credit for acting professionally through his struggles this year, but Rodriguez’s time with the Yankees should end soon. At that point, his decorated career will likely be over too.

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