ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Alex Rodriguez reached another milestone when he tied Mike Schmidt for 12th place on the home run list with 548.
His focus, however, is on helping the New York Yankees get much-needed wins during a longshot run to make the playoffs.
“It’s hard to sit here and talk about anything personal,” Rodriguez said before Wednesday’s game against Tampa Bay. We’re hanging by a thread, and every game is so important.”
Rodriguez’s solo shot in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s 7-2 win over Tampa Bay also gave him 11 straight seasons of 30 or more homers.
“Mike Schmidt is special to me because I’ve always looked up to Mike,” Rodriguez said. “He’s a friend and someone who I admire.”
As A-Rod was talking with reporters, a TV set in the clubhouse was showing Boston celebrate after a come-from-behind 5-4 win over Baltimore. The Red Sox started Wednesday seven games ahead of the Yankees in the AL wild-car race.
“We’re playing like every game is our last,” Rodriguez said. “Every game is the most important game. The only thing I care about is doing the best we can. Control what we can control.”
Ahead for A-Rod is Yankees’ great and current team adviser Reggie Jackson, who is 11th with 563 homers.
“He reminds me everyday,” Rodriguez said with a smile.
Notes: Yankees general manager Brian Cashman remains “focused” on his team and is not currently thinking about a contract extension. His current deals ends this year. “There’s a time and place,” Cashman said. “I think everyday here is on the same page. Let’s take care of business and get this right, which we haven’t done a good enough job of doing so far this year. When the dust settles, conversions will be held. Where they lead, I can’t predict. I’m not about to predict.” Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner has said he wants Cashman to stay with the team.
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