On his first official day back with the New York Yankees after a yearlong suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, Alex Rodriguez blasted a few balls out of the park during batting practice at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla., and generally appeared at ease with the attention surrounding his return.
“It was fun,” Rodriguez said. “I’m happy to be here.”
Rodriguez, 39, drew the loudest cheers Thursday, heard no boos from fans and also bantered with the media who surrounded his locker.
“It was like going to Disney World,” Rodriguez aid.
Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was impressed with Rodriguez’s swings. He hit three balls over the fence in 32 swings.
“I saw his batting practice today,” Teixeira said. “Not many guys are hitting the ball like he is right now. First day is always kind of a breaking in time for most guys. He looked great out there today, and hopefully that continues.”
While Rodriguez was enjoying his return, his bosses weren’t as thrilled. Both general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi are already tired of answering questions about the slugger.
“I don’t really want to talk about the Alex stuff like this anymore,” Cashman said. “At some point, hopefully, you guys can let it go too. … I don’t feel like dealing with it too much longer.
“I just don’t want to talk about the same stuff we covered already. I feel like we’ve been there, done that. I feel like we’re going back to stuff that’s already been asked, which I feel is a waste of time.”
Cashman did confirm that Rodriguez will be on the roster for Opening Day.
“He’s got a three-year contract,” Cashman said.
Most of the questions to Girardi from reporters after the Yankees’ first full-squad workout were about Rodriguez. Asked whether he was happy to see Rodriguez in camp, Girardi finally became agitated.
“I don’t understand what kind of question that is, to be honest,” Girardi said. “He’s a player of ours. Of course, I want him back.”