Alex Rodriguez

2013

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2012

Rodriguez's days as a first-round fantasy draft pick are likely over, as he's now missed significant time with injury in each of the last two seasons. Even after he returned from his leg injury, Rodriguez didn't seem to have the power we're used to, hitting just 16 homers in roughly two-thirds of a season. Further, his speed appears to be gone as well, as he stole just four bases in 2011. Someone will overpay for Rodriguez counting on a bounce-back season, but his value is tied to his health at age 36 and he hasn't reached the 140 games mark since 2007. Keep an eye on his progress from offseason surgery on his knee and shoulder during spring training before investing.

2011

Rodriguez has seemingly been a fantasy first-round pick forever, and if early average draft position (ADP) data tells us anything, it's that A-Rod will be a popular late-first, early-second round choice again in 2011. However, thanks to a few nagging injuries last year, Rodriguez missed at least 24 games for the third straight season, and he'll turn 36 during the 2011 campaign. He's still one of the best hitters in baseball, but he posted his lowest OPS (.847) since 1997 and may be beginning his decline. There's a good chance he's going to be overvalued in most drafts.

2010

A hip injury that shelved him until early May didn’t stop Rodriguez from compiling at least 30 homers and 100 RBI for the 12th consecutive season. He also dealt with the self-imposed distraction of his admitted steroid use and the ensuing fan and media fallout. Yet in a season where he perhaps should have been feeling more pressure than ever, Rodriguez appeared calmer than he’s looked at any point during his pinstriped career, and used his newfound coolness to sink most of his “can’t-hit-under-pressure” critics with a dominant postseason. He should be an elite option again in 2009, especially after receiving word after the season that his hip held up well and would not require additional surgery.

2009

Chalk it up as just another big year for Rodriguez, who put together his 11th straight season with 35-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in 2008. Rodriguez landed on the disabled list for the first time since July 2000 because of a quadriceps injury suffered in late April. Despite the missed time and an inconsistent lineup around him, Rodriguez posted a .302/.392/.573 line with 35 homers, 103 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 21 attempts. There's little reason to think of him as anything less than an elite option again heading into 2009, while it's entirely possible that he'll kick his production up another notch, without having to deal with the divorce settlement that hung over his head from late June until mid-September.

2008

After a tough 2006 in the Bronx, Rodriguez quieted some critics by storming out of the gates in April at a .355/.415/.882 clip with 14 homers and 37 RBI. The AL's reigning MVP led the majors in runs, RBI, home runs, slugging percentage and OPS, while the encore was signing baseball’s richest contract ever to stay in New York, after ill-advisidly opting out of his previous deal during Game 4 of the World Series. His new contract contains milestone bonuses for passing various players on the all-time home run list, lest he need further motivation than the ultimate prize: a World Series ring. The three-time MVP shows no signs of slowing up, and he'll be deservedly atop all draft boards again in 2008.

2007

Criticism comes with the territory when you're the highest-paid player in baseball, and A-Rod took plenty of heat for a season that could only be unsatisfying for the hostile fans and media in New York. Rodriguez finished in the American League's top 10 in homers, RBI, runs, on-base percentage and walks, but was attacked by critics for his defense (.937 fielding percentage) and lack of clutch hitting. Regardless, we're still talking about a guy who has averaged just under a .300 average, 40 homers and 120 RBI along with 20 steals per season over the last three years, so let someone else make the mistake of passing on him with their first-round pick on draft day.

2006

Despite an abysmal postseason, Rodriguez definitely settled into the New York environment in 2005, so much so that he took home the MVP for his efforts. He should bounce back from that horrible playoff series and contend for another MVP this season. Open your auction wallets.

2005

Could this be the year that A-Rod is undervalued in fantasy drafts? Rodriguez's line in 2004 represented a down year for the $252 million man, who no longer qualifies at shortstop. He was noticeably pressing for much of 2004, however, and while he may not hit 57 homers in a season again, expecting improvement over 2004 is certainly reasonable.

2004

A-Rod was uncustomarily inconsistent, thanks largely to a neck injury early in season. He was more or less Alex Rodriguez-Lite for five months. A 1.303 OPS for August, in which he swatted 15 of his 47 homers and drove in 31 runs, restored the luster to what would have ended up being a down season for A-Rod, instead turning it into his first MVP season. Nearly traded to Boston in the offseason, his unhappiness in Texas may eventually force a deal. There's little doubt, however, that he's the most valuable player in traditional roto ball no matter where he plays.

2003

A terrible September (.202 average) prevented what could have been a 60-HR, .320 average season, all from a shortstop. As expected, he benefits from the Ballpark, posting an equivalent season of 616 at-bats, 60 HRs, 147 RBI, and a .347 average in his two years in Texas. Rodriguez is starting to see doubles turn into home runs, and that's a scary thought. If there's a guy out there that will break Bonds' HR record, it's A-Rod.