Most Vetted Player

Fake-Rod is back in more than one way. Today he won his 3rd MVP, the 2nd with the Yankees after a huge season, but I am not here to talk about that.I'm still not happy with Fake-Rod.

He did the best thing for himself by going back to the Yankees to negotiate himself after a huge public fallout, but it was too little too late. My problem with Fake-Rod is that he took his agents word, an agent who doesn't seem to listen to his clients, only the free agent market.

Yes, it was a botched publicity stunt, miscalculated and a big mistake. It was Fake-Rod's choice and he decided with his wallet and not his heart, which apparently was still with the Yankees. But all the while, it looks like he was influenced by Scott Boras or at the very least took his agents word that opting out was his best option.Fake-Rod has a lot to prove now that he's in NY for the rest of his career.

As he said today, he'd trade in his three MVPs for a world championship, and to be a true Yankee he will have to win one. It's certainly a good probabilty that Fake-Rod will break the HR record in the pinstripes, which will bring in revenue and be a part of his salary. But I'm wondering if they worked in some incentives for him to win a championship. No wait--how about perform well in the playoffs while in the pinstripes and win a championship?

Either way, Fake-Rod is not a true Yankee in this fans' heart yet. His MVP seasons have been great, but he's not as intense as a Paul O'Neil, not as magical as a Derek Jeter, and not as quietly leading as a Bernie Williams. He is still finding his place after four years.