Playoffs loom for A-Rod

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A-Rod may be baseball's Liberace

Like a giant wave crashing onto the beach, only to recede in silence, the Alex Rodriguez steroid scandal appears to have come and gone -- even with fresh revelations that he's been juicing as a Yankee. Excerpts of a soon-to-be-released book, which appeared in Thursday's New York Daily News, are chock-full of news items about A-Rod's association with performance-enhancing drugs, including the bombshell that he allegedly used HGH after 2004.

Unfortunately for author Selena Roberts, the arc of A-Rod's fall from grace was complete when he crafted a phony, partial confession two months ago. The Yankees slugger will return to the lineup in a state of disgrace; he's already lost his good name. Most discerning minds concluded that Rodriguez has been cheating for years. Whether it was for three seasons in Texas or four more in the Bronx, or every year since he broke in in 1994, the verdict is unwavering: The guy's dirty.

Question is: How much lower can A-Rod possibly sink in public opinion? Here are a few theories

World Series has star power

Ryan Howard thought about the World Series and his eyes widened.

"Between Yankee Stadium and Philly, it's going to be, I would have to say, probably one of the rowdiest World Series - just between the fans," he said.

Sure will be if Howard and Alex Rodriguez start teeing off in their high-profile slugger showdown.

A-Rod wins first title after turbulent season

After 16 major league seasons, three American League MVP awards in his trophy case, 12 All-Star Game selections and a pair of Gold Gloves, Alex Rodriguez finally earned the piece of hardware he's yearned for - a World Series ring.

A season that started with a confession of past steroid use and a 2009 debut slowed by hip surgery, the New York Yankees third baseman culminated a magical year by having an offensive breakout in the playoffs, leading to the franchise's 27th World Series title.

Going into this season there were plenty of doubters considering A-Rod's past postseason bumbles at the plate. The team lost their last four playoff series going into this year with Rodriguez going a paltry 7-for-44 with 15 strikeouts over the previous three series.

The Yankees have World Series title No. 27 in their sights

If I had a nickel for every time I heard a Philadelphia Phillies fan say that they wanted to play the New York Yankees in the World Series over the last couple of weeks, I'd be a rich man.

In the back of my mind, though, I kept thinking, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.

These are not the playoff neophyte Tampa Bay Rays, who seemed to just be happy to be there a year ago. This time around the Phillies will be taking on a team that is as synonymous with October as picking pumpkins and falling leaves. These are the New York Yankees, 26-time world champions, who will be making their 40th trip to the World Series.

Wakefield, bullpen keep Yankees at bay

Alex Rodriguez flopped all night when the New York Yankees needed a big hit.

Tim Wakefield won in his return from the disabled list and the Boston Red Sox moved a step closer to squashing New York's playoff hopes, beating Andy Pettitte and the Yankees 7-3 on Tuesday night.

Jason Bay drove in two runs, David Ortiz had a strong game at the plate and Boston got an outstanding effort from its bullpen to close out the opener of a key three-game series.