Rodriguez Will Watch Final Game
One of the finest seasons any shortstop in baseball ever had came to an end for Alex Rodriguez on Saturday, one day before his Seattle Mariners finish the ‘96 campaign.
“He’s done, he’s not playing anymore,” Seattle manager Lou Piniella said. “And that’s my choice, not his.”
In his first full major league season, Rodriguez compiled unprecedented numbers in the year in which he turned 21:
His .360 batting average is the third-highest ever by a shortstop.
His 141 runs, 215 hits, 54 doubles and 91 extra-base hits are more than any shortstop ever posted in a single season.
He set franchise records for runs, doubles, batting average, hits, total bases and hit 36 home runs - the eighth-highest total by a shortstop in major league history.
“I’m tired, more mentally than physically,” Rodriguez admitted. “This last week, I was stressed out. We were playing for a playoff spot, I was trying to win a batting title, all these things I’d never done before. I feel like a dog that’s been kicked around, that’s how tired I am.
“It was disappointing to come so far and not play better, but looking at the big picture, with all our injuries, this team had a great year.
“I can’t wait for spring training.”
First, he will recuperate a little and contemplate his year, though he won’t have much time, because he might wind up going to the World Series if the Yankees get there.
“Derek Jeter and I made a promise to each other, that if I got to the Series he’d be there for me, and if they got there I’d be there for him,” Rodriguez said. “So I’ll probably play some golf next week and hope he gets to the World Series. Then I’ll make that tour of Japan with Junior and Cal Ripken and all those All-Stars … “
Rodriguez beamed.
“And then I’ll get ready for spring training. I can’t guarantee my batting average, but I can guarantee how hard I’ll work.’
Notes
Don’t be surprised if Ken Griffey Jr. bats leadoff today, as Piniella tries to get him as many at-bats as possible as Junior chases his 50th home run. “I want it for him, I want it for the team,” Piniella said… . Jay Buhner will undergo surgery Oct. 2 to remove a bone chip and calcium deposits from his right ankle… .
How long were the odds against Seattle sweeping Oakland this weekend? The Mariners haven’t won three consecutive games here since 1977… .
In a season where power numbers are off the chart, even Joey Cora has come on strong. He’s set single-season career highs for home runs (six) and doubles, collecting his 37th in the first inning Saturday… . Mark Whiten’s home run was his 12th in 39 games for the Mariners.
Coming up
The final game of the season begins at 1:05 p.m. and will be televised on KIRO. Salomon Torres (3-2, 5.02 ERA) will start for Seattle, Aaron Small (0-3, 9.51) for Oakland.