A-Rod’s new title: Special adviser to Brian Cashman
Alex Rodriguez attends the 38th Sports Emmy Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 9, 2017. Credit: Getty Images / Jamie McCarthy
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez spent last season as a special adviser to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. This season he’ll be among the special advisers to general manager Brian Cashman.
“These are exciting times for the New York Yankees, and I do not take this opportunity for granted,” Rodriguez said in a statement Sunday. “I am genuinely thankful for the trust the organization has placed in me, and I am looking forward to lending whatever support or expertise is needed of me. I continue to cherish The Pinstripes, the fans and my involvement with the Steinbrenner family, Brian Cashman, and his world-class staff.”
The Yankees also announced that Reggie Jackson, Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher will be special advisers.
Jackson — a longtime special adviser who in recent summers spent an increasing amount of time touring the Yankees’ minor-league clubs — said of A-Rod: “A lot of baseball knowledge. I look forward to him getting involved. There’s a lot of places he can help. Alex is a real student of the game. I think he’s got the ability to manage. He’s got those skills. When Brian invites you back, it’s not for practice. I look forward to Alex spreading his knowledge around.”
It remains to be seen just how involved he will be. In his undefined role a season ago, Rod riguez, who even as a player was generous with his time with younger players, was a sporadic presence at best.
“I talked to A-Rod probably three weeks ago in New York,” Aaron Boone said. “I think he has a lot to offer. So hopefully with him being on board now, it’s an opportunity for him to impact our team. I think everyone understands how smart of a baseball mind he is, and his ability to communicate that is really something he’s special at, especially with young guys, and we hope to benefit from that.”
Erik Boland started in Newsday's sports department in 2002. He covered high school and college sports, then shifted to the Jets beat. He has covered the Yankees since 2009.
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