Rodriguez thrilled to return to the line-up
BALTIMORE (Reuters) - New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said he was thrilled to return to the line-up and leave his problems of the past year behind him.
The 33-year-old 12-time All-Star made his season debut against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, playing for the first time since admitting to taking performance-enhancing drugs.
"I've made a lot of mistakes in my career and they have been well-documented," said Rodriguez, who had been sidelined due to hip surgery he had on March 9.
"I think I've paid the price. But I'm really excited about the present and the future. Those are the only things I can control from here on out.
"I'm excited about what I can do on the field. I'm excited about the opportunity to make the team and the fans of New York proud of me."
Rodriguez wasted little time in making his presence felt, hitting a first-inning, three-run home run off the Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, helping New York (14-15) defeat Baltimore 4-0 to snap a five-game losing steak.
The three-time American League Most Valuable Player had been playing extended spring training ball in Florida while the Yankees stumbled through the early part of the season.
When he walked into the clubhouse for the first time this season, he shook hands with every player, hugging many of them while smiling broadly.
With nine years left on his contract, Rodriguez said he still had time to repair his tarnished image.
"I have a long time," Rodriguez told several dozen reporters in the Yankees dugout before the game. "I have nine years to make a difference.
"I have nine years to play good baseball, become a better baseball player and become a better person. I have that opportunity."
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was excited to put Rodriguez's name on the line-up card but did not expect him to single-handedly turn around New York's sagging fortunes.
"Everyone still has to do their job," Girardi said. "We can't expect Alex to come in here and do everything for us. No one knows how he is going to start."
Rodriguez, who in December 2007 signed a 10-year $275 million contract, said it was painful to see the Yankees play so poorly.
"It was tough to watch," he said. "I love to play. Sitting on the sidelines watching my team lose, it was hard. I couldn't wait to get back. Here were are."
Rodriguez refused to discuss the plight of Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, who was suspended for 50 games Thursday for taking a banned substance.
"I've had a lot come my way over the last 16-18 months," he said. "I'm just trying to do my best as a human being, to move forward. I've been up front, and I've paid a price.
"At the end of the day, I'm worried about my book. I still have an opportunity to have a happy ending."
