The Polarizing Figure That is Alex Rodriguez

Everyone knowns that Alex Rodriguez is a great baseball player with an immense amount of talent, but with that talent he also brings a lot of extra baggage to go along with that talents. You either love him or hate him, there is no middle ground. If he is not on your team most likely you hate him and you may not even like him if he is on your team. A-rod's career has been a roller coaster ride both on and off the field. His inconsistent play in key situations, such as late in games and in playoffs games, has caused some yankee fans to hate the man.e His off the field scandals such has his steroid use and alleged affair with madonna and subsequent divorce have caused most of the non-Yankee population to deeply hate this man. From the start of his Yankee career he was destined for dislike. He came to the yankees in 2004, and Immediately started butting heads with beloved yankees captain and icon Derek Jeter. Because of this when he started to struggle on the field, fans were all over him, booing him for any strikeout or error. When A-Rod admitted to the steroid use, recently, that everyone was suspicious of his career and numbers automatically became tainted.

Despite all of these issues, I'm hear to tell you that A-rod's career should be celebrated for his talent and amazing accomplishments even with all of the controversy surrounding him. A-Rod took steroids at a time in baseball when the majority of players were using and it was not illegal to do so. Everything A-rod has done in his career has been under a microscope especially playing in the New York market where his every move is looked at and scrutinized. His off the field issues should not have an effect on how you view his play on the field. Alex Rodriguez is on the the best baseball players of his generation and he should be remembered for his incredible accomplishments

Burt Reynolds and Social Capital

Recently the Yankees signed Burt Reynolds (No not that Burt Reynolds). This Burt Reynolds is the cousin of Yankee Superstar Robinson Cano. Burt Reynolds is a Utility man who has played both in the Outfield and Infield. He was drafted in the 30^th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Nationals and has seen limited success in professional baseball. He has bounced around playing for the Nationals, Rays, and most recently with the Independent league Neward Bears. Last year with the Neward bears he hit .232/.291/.445 (batting avg/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) with 13 home runs and 95 strikeouts in 286 plate appearances. You may be wondering how someone who has played so poorly at all levels of baseball could get a deal with yanks. Well, he has one thing going for him (other than having an awesome name), he is Robinson Cano’s cousin.

His signing with the Yankees is a perfect example of social capital. Social Capital is all about who you know and the relationships you form with others, whether it is a bridging or bonding relationship. It is often believed that who you know is more important that what you can do. This was definitely the case for Burt Reynolds.  He was able to sign a deal with the Yankees based in large part to the fact that he is Cano's cousin. He was able to create a great opportunity for himself with the bridging relationship he had with his cousin.