A-Rod reports to Dominican team
All-Star joins Classic team day after meeting with MLB investigators
By Steve Dorsey / Special to MLB.com
ADVERTISEMENT
"We had a meeting -- that's all I'm going to say," Rodriguez said following his first practice with the Dominican Republic team for which he will play during the World Baseball Classic. "I'm just not going to talk about it. It's really good to get yesterday behind me, and now I want to focus on the [Classic] and focus on Opening Day and having a great year. ... I'll take my medicine and move forward."
Rodriguez participated with his Dominican Republic teammates during about a 90-minute practice on the back fields at the Roger Dean Stadium complex where the Florida Marlins were hosting a Grapefruit League exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Close to 300 fans and numerous media members were on hand to watch the practice.
"I think some of the guys were amazed at the media coverage," said Rodriguez, who signed a few autographs for fans after meeting with reporters.
Rodriguez said he has been surprised at the outpouring of support he has received from players around the league since going public about his use of performance-enhancing drugs from 2001-03.
"A lot of people have reached out to me and been very supportive, to my surprise," Rodriguez said. "I think they realize we're all human."
Rodriguez said that the Red Sox's David Ortiz, teammates with Rodriguez on the Dominican Republic squad, has been "one of my biggest supporters, that's for sure."
Rodriguez said that he will miss being with his Yankees teammates during most of Spring Training but is excited about playing again in the Classic.
"It's going to be a lot of fun playing with these guys and playing for the Dominican Republic," Rodriguez said. "Here, it's kind of like an NCAA elimination. When I was asked in '06 to represent the U.S., it was a privilege. Now, to play for the Dominican Republic is a privilege. It was my mom's dream for me to play for the Dominican Republic. ... It's just good to be playing baseball again. Any time you're between the lines, it's where you want to be."
Dominican Republic manager Felipe Alou said he has not spoken to Rodriguez about MLB's investigation into his use of performance-enhancing drugs, nor does he expect to address the situation with the All-Star third baseman.
"I don't know what to say, and I don't want to comment on just one guy," Alou said. "I have my hands full with a 28-man roster. The best thing for me and for the Dominican team is to concentrate on winning the Baseball Classic."
Rodriguez echoed the sentiment of Alou and others on the Dominican team when he said he hopes they can win the Classic title.
"We can't take this for granted," Rodriguez said.
The Dominican team will play three exhibition games this week in South Florida -- Tuesday against the Marlins in Jupiter, Wednesday against the Orioles in Fort Lauderdale and Thursday against the Cardinals in Jupiter.
Steve Dorsey is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
