Latest news with #AlexRodriguez
Fox News
an hour ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Ex-Yankees star Alex Rodriguez says Aaron Judge 'needs' an October moment to be a true franchise legend
For the New York Yankees, it is always World Series or bust. Of course, the Bronx Bombers have 27 titles to their name, and that includes a record 18-year drought from 1978 to 1996. But, after a new dynasty won four titles in five years, expectations changed once again. The Yankees, still, are a perennial postseason team, not having finished under .500 since 1993. Former MLB star Alex Rodriguez knew all about the expectations when he went from the Texas Rangers to the Yankees in 2004. Rodriguez made the postseason in all but three of his seasons with the Yankees (not including when he missed the 2014 season due to suspension). But today, he is part owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. And while on the diamond, anything short of a title was a failure, he admits that as an owner, "you have to adjust" your expectations. "At the end of the day, it's so hard to win, and there's so many different resources. The days of the Yankees winning four out of five years, those days are long gone, because the business models have changed, people are competing from a different point of view, the league structures are different, whether it's the luxury tax in baseball, there's different elements that are pushing and pulling," Rodriguez said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "But I think that winning is more being one of the most respected organizations sports to treating your fans an impeccable way, your players or organization, and then your partners, your sponsorships and stuff like that, and then having a consistent winner that has an opportunity to strike every year. So I think when you think about winning and bust-or-nothing, it's more about the behavior of an organization versus just black and white winning a championship." But the Yankees still have All-Star Aaron Judge, who, if it weren't for the Houston Astros' Jose Altuve in 2017, would be vying for his fourth MVP Award. His regular-season numbers are astonishing, but so are his postseason stats… in the opposite direction. Since the start of the 2022 season (entering Thursday), Judge has MLB highs in WAR (30.9), home runs (178) and OPS (1.124). But in October, he's hit just .205 with a .768 OPS. Rodriguez was polarizing in New York from day one — he was the superstar shortstop with the largest sports contract of all time who didn't exactly praise Yankees great Derek Jeter in a now-infamous quote — whereas Judge is much more universally loved, being a homegrown Yankee. However, that love is not unanimous because of Judge's postseason struggles. And if he wants to be forever in Yankees lore, Judge "needs" to find success in October, according to Rodriguez. "I mean, I'm probably the one guy that can answer this from a personal experience more than anybody," said Rodriguez, who notoriously struggled in autumn with the Bombers before carrying the Yankees to their 2009 World Series title. "I can tell you that for me, 2004 was just an absolute debacle, being up 3-0 against the [Boston] Red Sox and then losing four in a row. And for five years, I basically did not sleep comfortably, until five years later in '09, we brought it home and dropped the hammer. So I think he needs a moment like that. I think he will get one. I think being part of the Yankees and that lore is you're going to get cracks at it every single year. So that's on his side, the talent's on his side, and the more at-bats, the more reps he gets, the chances increase. And when he does, it's going to be such an enormous win for everybody, and it's going to be an elephant off his back." The Yankees, though, didn't exactly fare well in their World Series rematch last week against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They dropped two of the three games, including one contest where they were trounced 18-2 (both of the Yankees' runs came on solo Judge homers). Rodriguez is a partner with Lysol, which cleans up the stink — and the Yanks certainly could have used some in Los Angeles' Chavez Ravine. The ex-Yankees slugger recently surprised a local umpire in Miami Beach with some Lysol. "Umpires are unsung heroes of the game, and it was great to show my appreciation for the work they do on and off the field," he said. "Lysol is just an incredible company to partner with. We've had a tremendous partnership, and one of the things we want to do is make impact in the community and recognize people that often don't get recognized." One player's impact that the Yankees are certainly missing is that of right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole. And while the rotation has been a pleasant surprise, even with Cole's Tommy John surgery and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil's lat injury, an incomplete Yankees team is no match for the reigning World Series champs, Rodriguez thinks. "I think if you zoom out, I think it's obvious to me with enough data points that the National League is far superior than the American League. So that's one macro thought. And then obviously, the Dodgers have the Yankees' number," Rodriguez said. "It was great that they were able to salvage the series by at least winning one game and not getting swept. But look, when you have someone like Gerrit Cole hurt, the Yankees can still get through some pedestrian teams in the American League, but it's obvious that when you play the Dodgers, you need your full team and then some, and even that may not be enough." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox Sports
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Yankees vs. Red Sox: Historic MLB rivalry by the numbers
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will square off for the first time in the 2025 MLB season in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium from June 6-8. Game 2 of the series will be on Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app. Of course, the pair of American League East foes make for the most historic rivalry in baseball and one of the best in the history of professional sports. From playoff showdowns to in-game brawls to superstars changing teams, the Yankees and Red Sox have an endless history with each other. Furthermore, a trio of FOX MLB Studio Analysts were once at the heart of that rivalry: Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez. Here's a historical look at the Yankees' and Red Sox' rivalry by the numbers. 2: Both teams have sported two different names, as the Boston Red Sox were the Boston Americans from 1901-07 before becoming the Red Sox, and the New York Yankees were the New York Highlanders from 1903-1912 before becoming the Yankees. 3A: The Yankees led the Red Sox 3-0 in the 2004 American League Championship Series. And then the unthinkable happened: The Red Sox won four games in a row, including two in extra innings, to advance. It marked the first time in MLB history that a team came back down 3-0 to win a series and the first time the Red Sox beat the Yankees in a playoff series. Just days later, Boston won the World Series for the first time since 1918. It stands as the only time a team has overcome a 3-0 series lead. 3B: The Red Sox have won each of their last three postseason matchups against the Yankees (2004 ALCS, 2018 ALDS and 2021 AL wild-card game). 3C: The Yankees and Red Sox went .500 against each other in the regular season for three consecutive seasons: 9-9 in 2008, 2009 and 2010. 5A: The two teams have faced each other five times in the postseason, with the Yankees winning the 1999 and 2003 ALCS, and the Red Sox winning the next three matchups (2004, 2018 and 2021). 5B: Red Sox manager Alex Cora spent four seasons with his franchise as a player (2005-08), and Yankees manager Aaron Boone spent one season with his franchise as a player (2003); the two combined for five seasons as a player with their respective teams. However, had Boone not torn his ACL in the 2004 offseason, his stint with the Yankees may have lasted longer, as the franchise proceeded to acquire 2003 AL MVP Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers to play third base, Boone's position. The Red Sox also had trade talks with the Rangers about trading for Rodriguez. 11: Speaking of Boone, the Yankees acquired the third baseman from the Cincinnati Reds during the 2003 season. In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Red Sox, the Yankees mounted their infamous comeback that cost Boston manager Grady Little his job, and sent the game to extra innings. And on the first pitch of the bottom of the 11th inning, Boone launched a walk-off home run to left field, sending the Yankees to the World Series. 163: In 1978, 162 games couldn't decide the AL East, so a Game 163 was required to determine whether the Yankees or Red Sox would claim the division. Trailing 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning, Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent hit a go-ahead three-run home run over the Green Monster in left field to put the Bronx Bombers ahead, and they later sealed the deal to win the AL East. While more runs would be scored by both teams, Dent's homer remains the signature moment of Game 163 and earned Dent a forever nickname in New England: Bucky "F------" Dent. And two weeks later, the Yankees won the 1978 World Series. 251: Several superstars and Hall of Famers played for both the Yankees and Red Sox. For instance, Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens each spent a substantial chunk of their respective careers with the Red Sox. However, they later ended up with the Yankees and hoisting up the Commissioner's Trophy in pinstripes (Boggs was on the Yankees' 1996 World Series team and Clemens was on the Yankees' 1999 and 2000 World Series teams), while Johnny Damon won a World Series with both clubs (Boston in 2004 and New York in 2009). Red Ruffing, Herb Pennock and Carl Mays are also among those to play for both franchises for a prolonged period, with 251 players total suiting up for both franchises. 500: Fascinatingly enough, of the 24 combined playoff games the Yankees and Red Sox have played against each other, the two teams are .500 (12-12). 1919: Of course, another individual to play for both teams was Babe Ruth, who the Red Sox traded to the Yankees in 1919 against the backdrop of financial issues. Ruth had already won three World Series with the Red Sox, but he then went on to win four more titles with the Yankees and became the best player to ever suit up for the franchise. In fact, Ruth is first in Yankees history with a 142.8 WAR, 659 home runs and a .349 batting average. Oof. 2,311: The two teams have faced off a combined 2,311 times (regular season plus postseason), with the Yankees entering June 6 with a 1,245-1,028-14 record in the all-time series. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Major League Baseball New York Yankees Boston Red Sox recommended Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
F1 Academy's Susie Wolff
Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, about how she's helping more female racers try to advance into the ranks of Formula One. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tommy Edman's solo home run (9)
Derek Jeter and 'MLB on FOX' crew on Dodgers' rout of Yankees: 'The Dodgers have the better team' Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz discussed the Los Angeles Dodgers' dominant 18-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mets Facing Backlash After Francisco Lindor Announcement
Mets Facing Backlash After Francisco Lindor Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is amid another productive season. Now 31 years old, Lindor is in his 11th MLB campaign, and well on his way to a fifth All-Star Game selection. Entering Monday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lindor ranks first among National League shortstops in OPS (.845) and home runs (13). Advertisement On Sunday, Lindor hit his 261st career home run, which surpassed New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter on the all-time list for shortstops. Where controversy arose was with the Mets' announcement that he now ranks fourth all-time in this category among players at his position. This official list includes players who spent 60% of their career games at shortstop. But as many fans pointed out, both Alex Rodriguez and Ernie Banks have more career home runs than Lindor in games they played shortstop, which some feel should be the criteria for this list. While this has been a topic of debate, even the Mets' official post on X received a community note that explained both Rodriguez and Banks hit more homers than Lindor while playing shortstop. Advertisement "To clarify, Lindor has the 4th-most home runs all-time by a career primary shortstop (minimum 60% starts at the position)," the community note read. "Alex Rodriguez & Ernie Banks hit more homeruns at shortstop but do not meet the primary position criteria." While New York's announcement was accurate by the primary position criteria, it has still been facing backlash from fans over that technicality. "leaving the best shortstop of all time off this list is comedy, respect A-Rod," said one. "I HATE to be that guy," one began. "But this isn't even close to being right. Cal is right, missing AROD and Banks. Hanley isn't top 5 either. What are we doing man?" Advertisement "Ernie Banks?" one asked. "Lmao take this down it's completely wrong," said another. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12)© Lucas Boland-Imagn Images Several other comments shared this opinion. "You can't revise baseball history the way you do NBA history," said one. "History is a big component to the game of baseball." "Yea, I am with you on this one. It makes more sense to only count HRs as a SS," replied another. "That's an artificial made up threshold to satisfy the stat," claimed one. "It's HRs hit while playing the position." Related: Mets Star Francisco Lindor Sends 7-Word Message Before Dodgers Game Related: Shohei Ohtani Sends 6-Word Message After Sad News on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
