Alex Rodriguez : 3,000 Hits Later

Michael Kay said it best when he said 18,000 men have played MLB baseball and just 29 have 3,000 hits. Alex Rodriguez is one of those men. We all know Rodriguez and his PED history. Rodriguez was suspended for all of 2014 for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. For many people it downgrades the accomplishments however you still have to realize that he is a great player. He is one of 29 men to reach the plateau. Rodriguez has messed up many times in his career however always seems to make it back. Even in his age 39 season Rodriguez , while not the same still looks like a force at the plate. Rodriguez has been embraced like his teammates like never before.

Rodriguez will always have the cloud over his head. It's a shame Rodriguez didn't believe in his abilities the way every one else did. Rodriguez was the number 1 draft pick in 1993. Every one thought he would be an all time great and he is their. Rodriguez' stats matchup with anyone in history. Rodriguez has 668 home runs. He has over 3,000 hits and 2,000 RBI'S. His numbers are on the same scale as guys like Babe Ruth , Hank Aaron , Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.

Alex Rodriguez had one of the best careers in baseball history. Some feel he cheated some feel that the numbers are the numbers and some feel he is great regardless. All three are fair points. However the people who pretend it didn't happen are foolish. It happened , you witnessed it , the whole world did. The people who are trying to protect baseball are not protecting baseball. I grew up watching Rodriguez and appreciate his accomplishments no matter what.  Rodriguez had natural ability. If a young baseball fan asks me what I think of A-Rod I have no problem telling them he was the best I ever saw. I also have no problem telling them he used PED's. I will tell them the whole story not just the story a baseball writer from 40 years ago wants to hear. When you think about all the players who used PED's it's probably a huge number but when you think of those guys who reached 3,000 hits it's just one.

By Peter Vitella

@Realpete13

Reliving 4 Number 1 Picks in MLB History

Alex Rodriguez (1993) - Rodriguez is possibly the most controversial player of all time. The Mariners drafted the 17 year old shortstop. Rodriguez would leave the Mariners for the Rangers. Rodriguez would then move from shortstop to third base and go to the Yankees. Rodriguez has been involved In two steroid scandals however you still can't overlook all of his accomplishments. Rodriguez recently passed Willie Mays on the all time home run list. He also passed both Lou Gehrig on the all time RBI list. A-Rod is now second on the all time RBI list and fourth on the home run list. Rodriguez is also coming up on 3,000 hits and is likely to get it in the upcoming week or two. Rodriguez proved to be worth the number one pick as he is atop of many of the major hitting categories.

Bryce Harper (2010) - Harper made his big league debut at just 18. He made the all star team in just his first season. Harper made a splash right away as an 18 year old kid. Harper now leads the Majors in home runs at just 22 years old. Harper is already in his fourth season. Harper won the Rookie of
the Year and competed in the Home Run Derby in just his second season. Harper is well on his way to stardom.

Josh Hamilton (1999) - Hamilton was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Hamilton was compared to guys like Mickey Mantle. Hamilton drive himself out of the big leagues due to drug and alcohol addictions. Hamilton however came back after missing almost 4 seasons. Hamilton came back with the Reds but was traded to the Rangers. Hamilton made five straight all star teams with the Rangers. He also won the 2010 AL MVP award. Hamilton signed a mega deal with the Angels but after a relapse he is back home with the Rangers. Perhaps his most famous moment was the MLB All star Home run derby in Yankee Stadium.

Ken Griffey Jr (1987) - Griffey Jr had an incredible career. Griffey was one of the best outfielders of all time but also was one of baseballs all time best hitters. Griffey had back to back 56 home run seasons  in 1997 and 1998. Griffey had successful careers with both the Mariners and Reds and even had a brief stint with the White Sox. Griffey was regarded as one of the best players of all time however he had a terrible injury history. Griffey played in under 100 games in 3 straight seasons In the prime of his career. Griffey still finished his career with 630 home runs.

By Peter Vitella 

@Realpete13