Alex Rodriguez

Alexander Emanuel Rodriguez (born July 27, 1975 in New York City), nicknamed A-Rod, is widely regarded as one of the best players in Major League Baseball and at a young age already is being talked about among the all-time greats.

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July 27 - 1975 - New York City - Major League Baseball

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His swing and defensive play are known for their mechanical soundness. On the field, he has especially great range to his right side. Tall, with long arms and a crouched stance, he can cover most of the strike zone and can hit almost any pitch for a home run. Rodriguez won Gold Gloves at shortstop in 2002 and 2003.

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Gold Glove - 2002 - 2003

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Rodriguez was drafted out of high school by the Seattle Mariners. He later signed an unprecedented free-agent deal to play shortstop with the Texas Rangers, and was traded in 2004 to the New York Yankees, where he played third base. In 2003, he became the youngest major-leaguer to reach 300 home runs; on June 8, 2005, he became the youngest with 400.

Related Topics:
Seattle Mariners - Shortstop - Texas Rangers - New York Yankees - Third base - 2003 - Home run - June 8 - 2005

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On November 17, 2003, Rodriguez won the American League Most Valuable Player award. It was the second time the award had gone to a player whose team finished last in the league (Andre Dawson won the award for the last-place Chicago Cubs). The following month, the Rangers tried to trade Rodriguez and his hefty salary to the Boston Red Sox. The Players Association blocked the deal, because the Red Sox wanted to cut Rodriguez's pay. On January 25, 2004, he was named captain of the Rangers. Less than three weeks later, he was traded to the Yankees, the first reigning MVP to be traded.

Related Topics:
November 17 - 2003 - Most Valuable Player - Andre Dawson - Chicago Cubs - Boston Red Sox - Players Association - January 25 - 2004

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