In yet another indication the Alex Rodriguez appeal case is nowhere close to resolution, Major League Baseball attorneys spent all of Tuesday laying out their case with chief witness Anthony Bosch.
Rodriguez’s side has not yet received the opportunity to cross-examine Bosch, but that could take place as soon as Wednesday.
Bosch, the owner of the now-shuttered Biogenesis anti-aging clinic, is purported to have substantial evidence linking Rodriguez to illegal performance-enhancing drug usage. That evidence allegedly includes text message and e-mail communication with Rodriguez, as well as documentation of drug regimens. ESPN reported earlier this year Bosch actually administered illegal PEDs to Rodriguez.
Team A-Rod has been vocal about its excitement in cross-examining Bosch, which figures to be a critical moment for both sides as Rodriguez attempts to overturn the 211-game suspension he received from Bud Selig in August. Attorney Joseph Tacopina, who personally accompanied Rodriguez to and from MLB headquarters Monday and Tuesday, is expected to question Bosch.
Rodriguez arrived at the MLB midtown office at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to “Alex! Alex!” cheers from a group called Hispanics Across America. He thanked the group in Spanish for its support. The group, which fluctuated from about 30 to 70 throughout the day, welcomed Rodriguez upon his departure at 6:11 p.m., and A-Rod rewarded his supporters with handshakes, autographs and photos.
Asked by The Post how he was feeling about the case so far, A-Rod said, “I feel good.”
Bosch, who has pledged full cooperation with MLB in return for MLB dropping Bosch from a civil lawsuit, departed MLB headquarters through a loading dock at about 5:45 and declined comment. His spokeswoman, Joyce Fitzpatrick, said Bosch would return on Wednesday.
Independent arbitrator Fredric Horowitz scheduled Monday through Friday of this week to hear the case. The dates for his next time window as yet are undetermined, because he is based in Southern California and has many commitments. Given the slow pace of the proceedings, it seems increasingly likely the case will extend beyond Friday.
The random sighting of the day was Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson, who emerged from the building after having a meeting, he said, with Players Association officials Tony Clark and Darrell Miller. Granderson said he hadn’t seen A-Rod inside but was curious to see how the appeal hearing played out.