Jeter and A-Rod on the Road to Recovery

Added by Gina Sorce on January 18, 2013.

Associated Press/Kathy Willens - Derek Jeter injured himself fielding a ball in the 12th inning of Game 1 of the American League championship series against the Detroit Tigers.

The 2012 season ended with surgery looming for two essential components of the right side of the Yankees infield. Who could forget the painful sight of Derek Jeter lying on the ground, unable to stand up on his own after fielding what should have been a routine ground ball?

As for A-Rod, well, his injury was kept under the radar during the postseason, and as a result, A-Rod dealt with scrutiny from Yankee fans because of his lack of performance. I’m not making any excuses for A-Rod, but trying to hit with an injured left hip is what I imagine to be a seemingly impossible task, considering the pivot of the hips helps batters fuel a powerful swing.

A-Rod’s left hip surgery scheduled for Wednesday went according to plan. Shortly after the procedure, A-Rod posted a picture on Facebook, giving fans the thumbs-up in his hospital gown. The caption read: “Surgery went well! The road to recovery officially begins.” The Yankees expect A-Rod to return to the lineup after the All-Star break.

Jeter underwent surgery to repair his fractured left ankle on October 12, 2012, a procedure that has an expected recovery time of four months. Merely three months later, Jeter’s rehabilitation has seen significant progress. Marc Craig reported Wednesday that Jeter has officially been cleared for baseball activity.

According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated Jeter won’t be cleared to run until the end stages of the recovery process. Although many are skeptical the 38-year-old Jeter and his aging lineup won’t be able to compete with new talent emerging around the league, the Captain remains confident in his team.

“Too old? Or experienced?” Jeter cleverly asked.  And we all know the 17- year veteran with five World Series rings has experience. It’s all about perspective, folks.