A-Rod, A OK After Surgery

Alex Rodriguez had successful surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his hip (story). Everything went as planned and A-Rod is scheduled for a return sometime in May. A-Rod will have more extensive surgery on the same hip in the offseason but he should be ready to play for spring training 2010. The Yankees should be able to be alright without the three-time MVP in the lineup. However, it will take a concerted effort from the rest of the lineup as well as the starting rotation. Cody Ransom is still the leading candidate to fill in for Rodriguez, however another name has been thrown into the rumor mill as a possible A-Rod replacement.

According to the Kansas City Star, the Yankees are interested in aquiring Mark Teahen to keep third base warm until A-Rod returns. Teahen had an excellent 2006 campaign (.290/.357/.517), but has regressed the past two seasons with combined splits of .270./.333/.406. He would be a better option compared to Ransom and/or Angel Berroa. However, it would cost the Yankees a pitching prospect or two. I still think the best route would be to sign Mark Grudzielanek. He is a career .290/.332/.395 hitter and would only cost the Yankees a one year contract at around $1 million or so. Also, Grudzielanek would be an upgrade as a bench player once A-Rod does return.

-Favad Ali