Len’s post reminds me of the post that I started but did not finish.  It was part of the Cup-o-Joe but thought it should be its own post.  Basically, I think the absence of Sheffield is a major factor in A-Rod’s resurgence.  Why?   Because:

  1. Sheffield was batting ahead of A-Rod.  A-Rod would have to stand in the on-deck circle watching Sheffield try to murder the ball.  With Sheffield it was all or nothing:  A screaming HR or Line Drive to the left side, or weak grounder to the right side or pop up if he reached for an outside pitch.  It had to impact A-Rod’s approach to his own at bats.  I think watching Abreu’s approach actually helps A-Rod.  After the Abreu trade, A-Rod hit .305 with 13 HR, and 47 RBI in August and September.   
  2. Sheffield was “stealing” A-Rod’s RBIs or killing rallys.  What good is it if A-Rod comes up to start an inning?  Abreu’s willingness to walk brings A-Rod up more often with runners on base.  More pressure on the pitcher, more strikes for A-Rod to hit.    
  3. Sheffield was undoubtedly talking to A-Rod and imparting his me against the world mentality.  “Me against the world” does not work for A-Rod.  A-Rod himself has said he needs the world (i.e. his teammates and fans) to support him.
  4. Negative engery.  Sheffield may be a great teammate, (everybody supposedly says so), but he is a ball of negative energy.  It has to effect people.