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A-Rod Homers In Spring Debut

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 26, 2009

DUNEDIN - Back on the field, Alex Rodriguez was able to put aside the steroids scandal.

At least for a little while.

Booed and taunted by opposing fans in the Yankees' spring training opener, Rodriguez homered and drew two walks Wednesday in a 6-1 exhibition victory against Toronto that was anything but routine.

It was Rodriguez's first game since admitting he took banned drugs from 2001-03 with Texas. He left after drawing a walk in the fifth inning, and signed autographs for five minutes before calling it a day.

"This is what I do. I know how to play baseball," Rodriguez said. "I just hope that's the start of something really special for this year. I feel really good about our team."

There were lots of cheers, a smattering of boos and occasional catcalls for A-Rod from the crowd of 5,014 at mostly filled Dunedin Stadium.

ASTROS: Miguel Tejada will not play for the Dominican Republic in next month's World Baseball Classic.

BREWERS: Outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. said he could miss up to a month of spring training because of a right shoulder impingement.

DODGERS: Los Angeles has made another offer to Manny Ramirez, a two-year deal calling for $25 million this season and $20 million for 2010. The Dodgers will wait to hear back from agent Scott Boras, who will be carrying the offer to his client.

INDIANS: Closer Kerry Wood hasn't thrown off a mound since last weekend because of a sore back, and Cleveland manager Eric Wedge says the team will give him a few more days of rest before he pitches again.

ROCKIES: Left-hander Jeff Francis has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder and is expected to miss the entire season.

TWINS: Right-hander Boof Bonser (Gibbs High) is expected to miss the entire season after arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder detected partial tears in his labrum and rotator cuff. Bonser had the procedure Wednesday in St. Petersburg.

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