Former Teammates Give Thoughts On Alex Rodriguez Prior to His Final Game With Yankees

Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada (Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press)

Alex Rodriguez is preparing to play his final game as a member of the New York Yankees. It’s been an emotional time for A-Rod, especially this past week. Many have questioned the New York Yankees organization for their handling of the situation. Even those that are not the biggest Rodriguez supporters have chimed in about what seems to be disrespect on the part of Yankees manager Joe Girardi and the teams’ front office.

Rodriguez was left on the bench for much of the past few weeks. Girardi said “no” when Rodriguez asked to play third base in his final game, tonight at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Current Yankee teammates have let their support for Rodriguez be known. Many have thanked and praised him for his work both on and off the field, in helping them learn from him.

Some of his former teammates, and faces of the Yankees, shared there support and congratulations in statements released by the team this afternoon.

Derek Jeter on Alex Rodriguez

“I’ve spent 22 years playing against, playing with and watching Alex from afar, and there are two things that stand out to me the most: the conversations we had when we were young — hoping for the opportunity to play at the Major League level and then somehow finding a way to stick around — and the championship we won together in 2009.  That was a season everyone on that team can cherish.

“What people don’t realize is how much time, effort and work that Alex put in on a daily basis.  He lives and breathes baseball.  I know it will be difficult for him to not be on the field, but I’m sure he will continue to give back to the game.  Congrats, Alex.”

Mariano Rivera on Alex Rodriguez

“It was a privilege to play with Alex. Through his preparation and work ethic, you saw how much he cared about this game and about helping this team win. I love him — as a friend and as a teammate. He was all you could ask for in both.”

Andy Pettitte on Alex Rodriguez

“I had a chance to see Alex as a young player in the league, and I knew immediately he was going to be special.  It was always fun competing against Alex, but I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play side-by-side with him in New York.  He was a big reason we were able to win the 2009 World Series.  I wish Alex and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”

Jorge Posada on Alex Rodriguez

“Alex was not only one of the best players in the world, he was also one of the smartest players on the field.  It was such a great combination.  Please go have fun and enjoy your family — you are an awesome dad.  I’m very proud of you.”

Robinson Cano on Alex Rodriguez

“He’s one of the best players who ever played.  He’s a guy who worked hard.  I’ve never seen a guy who worked harder than him.

“There’s three things that I can say.  He loves baseball, he’s a guy who works hard and a guy who loved to win.  He was a great teammate.  For me, he was one of the best teammates I’ve had and a guy who helped me when I first came up and I appreciate all of the things he’s done for me.”

Former Yankees Manager Joe Torre on Alex Rodriguez

“Alex was a hard worker, a genuine fan of the game and possessed great ability.  In our time together, I always knew that the game mattered to him.  Baseball teaches all of us at some point, and I think he should be proud of the way he carried himself these last two years.  I wish Alex and his family all the best in the future.”

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