Players' union head has no issues with A-Rod
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Union head Tony Clark says the baseball players' association has no issues with Alex Rodriguez.
Rodriguez rejoined the Yankees this spring after serving a one-year drug suspension. During his appeal of the ban A-Rod filed - and later dropped - lawsuits against his own union, Major League Baseball and New York's team physician.
''There were challenges throughout,'' Clark said Sunday after his annual spring training meeting with Yankees' players. ''Everybody has come out the other side. He's part of the fraternity. The guys I have spoken to, a lot of guys have moved forward. The commentary I've heard this spring has been very positive.''
''Guys will be watching to see how he carries himself,'' Clark added. ''Guys will be watching to see what impact he wants to have going forward.''
The three-time AL MVP, who turns 40 in July, has not played a full season since 2007 because of the suspension, operations on both hips and other injuries.
''The opportunity to see him back out on the field, I'm happy for him,'' Clark said. ''Seeing him in the shape he's in, I'm happy for him. It was a difficult stretch. I'm glad to see him back on the field.''