What? Do you hate America?

In case you haven't heard, one of America's greatest athletes just pulled a Benedict Arnold. Let me first say that I am in no way just another A-Rod basher. I have always been a staunch supporter of the man that I consider to be one of, if not the, most talented right handed hitters of all time (I'd rather have Manny in the clutch, wouldn't you?). Sure people might write him off because he played in the 'steroids era', which also included tightly wound baseballs and smaller parks, but I would argue that it is now harder than ever to be a consistent dominant offensive player. Think about it. Pitchers are now more skilled, scouting (how to get hitters out) is as good as it's ever been, and don't think for a second that these pitchers were free from the abuse of steroids. Even before the whole Brian McNamee situation, all the telltale signs were there with Clemens. He dominated in his 20s and early 30s, fell off (as it usually happens with age), but then 're-gained' his dominance. In the offseason he would juice beyond belief, then wait until mid way through the year to pick a team to join (aka wait until the steroids got out of his system). But, back to A-Rod. Not only is he a force to be reckoned with at the plate, but he is also a fantastic fielder. To put things in perspective, Jeter only won a gold glove (which he should never have won) when A-Rod moved to 3rd base and Omar Vizquel moved to the National League.



Having said that I have not always agreed with A-Rod's personal choices. For example, he connived his way out of Texas, he essentially stole the spotlight away from the Red Sox by opting out of his contract during the 7th inning of game 4 of the '07 World Series (the deciding game in the series), and how could I agree with his choice to start railing Madonna over his much hotter wife? Through all of his annoying politically correct interviews, his bush league slapping during game 6 of the '04 ALCS, and his absolute stupidity of bringing the stripper through the front door of the hotel in Toronto (everyone knows for safety reasons you take strippers through the back door- heyyyo), I have respected his talent and still liked him as a player. I was an A-Rod fan, even though he sold his soul to the devil to play for the Yankees, who I hate more than any other team or organization this side of the NAACP. I thought that the evil empire, the 'harsh New York media', and the majority of the Yankee fan base were treating him unfairly. A-Rod getting booed by Yankee fans during his so-called down year ('06) of .290/35/121 was the equivalent of draft dodging hippies booing veterans returning from Vietnam. I had A-Rod's back. I wasted countless hours arguing with unruly Yankee fans about his brilliance. That was until now. This decision of A-Rod's is fit only for Judas Iscariot (Yeah I know Judas' last name. I went to Catholic school all my life).




A-Rod crossed the one boundary that is unforgivable in my evaluation as a fan and that is disrespecting America. He flirted with the idea of playing for the Dominican Republic before the first World Baseball Classic because that is where his family was originally from, but decided on wearing the stars and stripes because, well how should I put this? 1.) We are the greatest country in the world and 2.) He was born in New York City! Evidently in just two years he has forgotten who gave him a chance at a life of freedom and prosperity. A-Rod has forgotten who lets him earn 27.5 million dollars a year and affords him the opportunity to go sneak into Maddonna's town house for a little late night action. A-Rod can pretty much thank his entire life to good ole Uncle Sam yet he turns his back when America needs him to help reclaim our national pastime. Instead he chooses to go dance around with Jose Reyes, yell with Miguel Tejada, and hug David Ortiz (maybe he is jealous of his lumber?). His absurd amount of talent and ability had been blinding me of what a piece of shit he really is, but this is the straw that broke the camel's back. Someone needs to sit him down and force him to watch the HBO sports documentary "Do You Believe In Miracles". If he doesn't immediately tear up and change his mind then the Yankees (a nickname that is as American as apple pie) should send him down to the Dominican Republic for good. If he feels any sort of national pride for them, and clearly he does, then he should be forced to play in whatever Dominican Baseball league there is. And then once the likes of Madonna, Nike endorsements, and personal nutritionists don't follow him down there he will come back crying, regretting the day he crossed Uncle Sam.




This rant was written by John in Chicago, a friend of the blog and a true red blooded American, and it was edited by yours truly (I think you'll notice many of my edits).