Alex Rodriguez is trying to embrace a possible move to first base this offseason, if only he could find the right glove.
Rodriguez, 39, went through drills at first base with Mark Teixeira and spring training invitee Kyle Roller on Friday, but did so with his third baseman’s glove, according to the New York Times.
When asked what the hardest part was of playing a new position, Rodriguez replied, “Finding my first-base mitt,” adding that he hasn’t had a chance to break it in.
Luckily, a clubhouse attendant found the mitt on top of a locker in the trainer’s room. The larger problem, however, might be Rodriguez’s uninspired performance during drills. He reportedly left tosses behind pitchers covering first base and bounced a throw wide of third base in another drill. The New York Times referred to Rodriguez as a “third wheel” during the drills.
“I think he’s paying attention and trying to learn. He’s never taken balls over there,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “He’s never seen what a bunt defense looks like over there. I think he’s trying to take it all in, and that’s going to take some time.”
Girardi has said Rodriguez will see time at first base during spring training to see where he is physically after missing all of last season due to suspension. He’s expected to be the team’s primary designated hitter, but will also serve as a backup to Chase Headley at third base.
Newly-acquired Garrett Jones will be second on the depth chart at first base behind Teixeira, a former Gold Glove winner, but Girardi also said he might look for a right-handed bat to spell Teixeira in the lineup from time to time. Enter A-Rod.
"Anybody can play first base, but not anybody can play it well,” Teixeira said. “It’s not the ground balls; it’s not the throwing. It’s where to be.”
Rodriguez admitted that he’s afraid of being embarrassed if he plays the position poorly.
“Yeah, sure,” he said. “Any time I’m on a baseball field, I’m close to getting embarrassed.”