Rodriguez Not Concerned With Sliding Batting Average

Alex Rodriguez’s batting average starts with .2, as in .298.

That’s news. It hasn’t happened since the first week of the season, and Rodriguez led the A.L. last year at .358.

But listening to Rodriguez and batting coach Lee Elia, it might not be wise to get too concerned.

Rodriguez says, though, it has been a test of sorts because pitchers are going after the outside corner more.

“Last year, they used to pop me in,” said the 22-year-old Mariners shortstop. “It’s been a challenging year. I have to adjust to some of the things they’re trying to do. But I think I’m having a very good year this year.

“I’m just going to try to keep doing what I’m doing - keep trying to hit the ball to right field. I am hitting it with some authority, but unfortunately right at people. But it’s a long season. Hopefully, it will even out.”

Elia said he doesn’t see a particular pattern.

“But I think they’ve worked him extremely tough this year because they know they’re going to get hurt.”

He said he and Rodriguez are adjusting constantly.

“From one series to another, from one pitcher to another,” Elia said. “But when he’s going good, he’s staying inside the ball (he’s not out in front). In Baltimore, he had a great series. Then we get to Chicago, we’re gonna play, we’re not gonna play.

“This game is built on momentum, and it seems every time we get some momentum going, something happens. But I’m not concerned. I’m really not. I think he’ll finish up real strong. He’s a good worker.”

Indeed, as Elia spoke, Rodriguez was taking extra ground balls - first from John McLaren, then from Steve Smith.

Neither is Rodriguez concerned about his total of 21 errors.

“Absolutely not,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve played great defense this year. When you’re aggressive and have good range, errors add up. It’s a very overrated stat. I go out of my way. I dive. I jump. I’m aggressive.”

Do people expected too much?

“I don’t know,” said Rodriguez. “Like I said, I’m having a good year. If they expect .375, maybe they’ll get it next year. We’re in first place - that’s the bottom line. Last year, I had a great year and we were in third place.”

Rodriguez is a religious man. But he said the fame and adoration born in his banner season had not been a big test of his faith.

“It’s not tough,” he said. “We have a team full of stars - a lot of good players. A lot of good people. So, the attention is spread pretty thin. It makes it a lot easier for me.”