NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alex Rodriguez spent time with Barry Bonds last offseason, getting tutoring sessions on how to maximize his hitting skills entering his 40s.
Now, Bonds can take counsel from A-Rod as he returns to a major league clubhouse after recently getting hired as the Marlins hitting coach.
Rodriguez faced an initial wave of media and questions when he returned after his yearlong suspension last spring. He handled that well, but ultimately what changed the narrative, at least somewhat, was a combination of time and, mostly, Rodriguez’s ability to still play at a high level.
So the questions about Bonds will be whether he has the grinder spirit to work to help others every day and whether he can actually help the Marlins hitters.
Rodriguez, in an email, has vouched for Bonds. And, in a phone call with The Post, the player who has worked most closely with Bonds, Dexter Fowler, did the same.
“He’s the best in the business,” said Fowler, who is currently a free agent. “You don’t often think of a guy of his stature being a good teacher, but he is a great teacher.”
Fowler is about to embark on his third offseason working individually with Bonds. Following the 2013 season, then Rockies first base coach Glenallen Hill connected Fowler to Bonds.
First in Los Angeles, then in San Francisco, Fowler would travel to work out, watch film and have his swing dissected by Bonds. Last season with the Cubs, the center fielder hit a career-high 17 homers, stole 20 bases and had a .757 OPS.
“He picks up things really quickly, whether in your swing or your approach,” Fowler said. “He does it almost instantly. Everyone looks so long and for him, they are just simple fixes. The Marlins made a great hire. Barry is straightforward. I think he is misunderstood and a good dude. He understands the game. He understands personalities. For sure [he will be good as a hitting coach]. He is the best in the game. His knowledge is unprecedented.”