CLEARWATER, Fla. _ Alex Rodriguez spent last season as a special adviser to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. This season he'll be among the special advisers to general manager Brian Cashman.
"These are exciting times for the New York Yankees, and I do not take this opportunity for granted," Rodriguez said in a statement Sunday. "I am genuinely thankful for the trust the organization has placed in me, and I am looking forward to lending whatever support or expertise is needed of me. I continue to cherish The Pinstripes, the fans and my involvement with the Steinbrenner family, Brian Cashman, and his world-class staff."
The Yankees also announced that Reggie Jackson, Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher will be special advisers.
"A lot of baseball knowledge, I look forward to him getting involved," said Jackson, a longtime special adviser who in recent summers spent an increasing amount of time touring the organization's minor-league clubs. "There's a lot of places he can help. Alex is a real student of the game. I think he's got the ability to manage. He's got those skills. When Brian invites you back, it's not for practice. I look forward to Alex spreading his knowledge around."
It remains to be seen just how involved Rodriguez will be. In his undefined role a season ago, Rodriguez, who even as a player was generous with his time with younger players, was a sporadic presence at best.
"I talked to A-Rod probably three weeks ago in NY," manager Aaron Boone said. "I think he has a lot to offer. So hopefully with him being on board now, it's an opportunity for him to impact our team. I think everyone understands how smart of a baseball mind he is, and his ability to communicate that sometimes is really something he's special at, especially with young guys, and we hope to benefit from that."
