Earth to MLB Network experts: A-Rod already played after two hip surgeries.

Every time they dump on Alex Rodriguez they mention two variables:
- two hip surgeries
- missed the entire 2014 season (suspended).

Hip surgeries for torn labrum:
1. right hip 2009; first game back:

Friday, May 8, 2009, 7:05PM, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Attendance: 36,926, Time of Game: 2:32
playing third base
first inning: Home Run off Jeremy Guthrie, (Fly Ball to Deep LF-CF); Johnny Damon Scores; Mark Teixeira Scores
2009 Season: 30 HR, 100 RBI, OPS+ 138; Yankees won tournament

2. left hip January 16, 2013;  first game back:

Monday, August 5, 2013, 7:10PM, U.S. Cellular Field
Attendance: 27,948, Time of Game: 3:13
playing third base
first inning: single off Jose Quintana, to LF (Fly Ball to Short LF)
2013 Season: 44 games, 7 HR, 19 RBI, OPS+ 113

But many "experts" are smugly saying that Rodriguez will not hit seven home runs in 2015 and pass Willie Mays.

So, other than rooting against A-Rod, why continue to dwell on his two hip surgeries?  He played after the second, mostly at third base, and hit reasonably well.

Alex Rodriguez: why do people think A-Rod will break down in spring training? PED voodoo?  Tuesday, February 3, 2015

I've heard multiple people on MBL Network and YES Network say that, including former pitcher Ron Darling and writer Bob Klapisch.  Why would they think that?  ..

Rodriguez is one year younger than former best buddy and former Yankee teammate Derek Jeter.  Jeter played a significant amount in 2014, primarily at shortstop, and performed pretty well for a 40 year old player.  Jeter had played only 17 games in 2013, so he was about as rusty as Rodriguez will be in 2015.
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A-Rod apologizes to Yankees
Updated: February 11, 2015, 1:44 PM ET
By Andrew Marchand ESPNNewYork.com

In a 90-minute meeting at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Alex Rodriguez apologized to New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and team executives (Randy Levine, Brian Cashman) for his suspension for performance-enhancing drug use and the hostile nature in which he attempted to defend himself.

The two sides released a joint statement on Tuesday evening, saying Rodriguez "initiated the meeting and apologized to the organization for his actions over the past several years."  ..

The Yankees, sources said, also made it clear to Rodriguez that they plan on disputing his home run bonuses...

The Yankees also told Rodriguez that they would like him to clear the air with the media prior to pitchers and catchers reporting on Friday, Feb. 20. 
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Alex Rodriguez July 28, 2007
by Keith Allison via Wikimedia Commons

Did Yankee executives tell Rodriguez that they hope he is not able to play so that they do not have to pay him?  The closest thing to a substantive move that GM Cashman made since last season was to sign Chase Headley to a four year contract to play third base, even though that is A-Rod's position and A-Rod has three years remaining on his contract at more than $20 million per season.  Do you think the judgement of the Yankees management was clouded by their feelings toward Rodriguez?

A-Rod, just donate the bonus money to charity. Call out Levine and the Steinbrenner Kids.  Thursday, January 29, 2015

Alex Rodriguez should call their bluff.  Offer to donate the bonus money to a charity agreed to by both parties.  Make them look like the fools they are...

Motive: petty vindictiveness and self loathing that they gave A-Rod a new contract that they now regret...

... if A-Rod passes Ruth in 2015 he will have hit at least 61 home runs and be worth way more than the $6 million.
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Too bad A-Rod didn't take my advice.