A-Rod Puts Rivalry Aside in Support of Ortiz

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Aug 9, 2009

A-Rod Puts Rivalry Aside in Support of Ortiz The Yankees and the Red Sox are supposed to be sworn enemies — but obviously, much of the tension between the two sides solely exists between the fans. The players, believe it or not, actually like each other. And they are there for each other when times get tough.

Just ask Alex Rodriguez.

The Yankees third baseman — and recent victim of MLB's steroid scandal — was quick to come to David Ortiz's defense after the Boston slugger addressed steroid allegations during a pre-game press conference.

"David's a good friend," Rodriguez told the New York Daily News. "I've been there, done that and lived with it. Whatever he did, I hope he feels better about it, because I certainly did once I had my press conference."

While Rodriguez admitted to using performance enhancing drugs back in February, Ortiz took a different approach: He insisted that he never used or bought steroids, claiming that over-the-counter vitamins and supplements could have triggered a positive test in 2003.

Of course, Ortiz had the support of the MLB Players Association to fall back on. Rodriguez didn't, but still, he doesn't regret the way he handled things.

"I'm so proud of the way things came out," he told the Daily News. "I took a lot of things off my chest, and since that press conference, I feel like a new man. I feel like I've been embraced by not only the city of New York, but my teammates, my coaches and my manager. I feel liberated by the way I came out and did things."

The oft-maligned slugger has served as tabloid fodder for much of his Yankees career and has spent considerable time under the scrutinizing eye of the media, but this season, he's been able to let the haters fall by the wayside. And it shows on the field: In 79 games with New York, he's batting .258 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs.

"I think I'm able to play better in key situations because I'm at peace with myself and I'm freer," he said. "I'm enjoying the game at a level that I really haven't enjoyed it before, because it's simply 100 percent about my team and winning games. In the past, I was so consumed with trying to do special things, but now I'm only worried about one thing and that's winning."

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