MLB

Rodriguez looks to have ‘monster’ year for Yankees

TAMPA — These might be the most important words of the spring for the Yankees and they come from Alex Rodriguez.

“I want to be a force in the middle of our lineup, someone who drives in a lot of big runs to win a lot of games,’’ Rodriguez said.

When those words were passed to Kevin Long, the hitting coach smiled and said: “I’ve been waiting for him to say that. That’s what he needs to do. That’s who he needs to be. Do that and he’ll be a monster.’’

A-Rod’s comment tells you all you need to know about his head and his health. He’s feeling good after last year’s injury woes limited him to 99 games. He’s ready to have a huge season.

When Rodriguez said he wants to be “someone who drives in a lot of big runs to win a lot of games,’’ it means Rodriguez finally understands his role.

“Like Kevin Long always says, ‘Production and damage,’ that’s what it is all about,” Rodriguez said.

Production and damage is the key.

Yes, all of the intrigue in this final week of spring training is about the Yankees rotation, but no matter how that shakes out, the starting pitching is the strength of this team and Andy Pettitte is waiting in the wings.

These Yankees will go as far as Rodriguez takes them. He needs to drive in the big runs to win a lot of games. He needs to carry them like in the 2009 postseason when they won their 27th World Championship.

Rodriguez wasn’t right physically last season, and the Yankees stumbled in the first round against the Tigers, losing in five games. He hit .111 with three RBIs in that series. Changes had to be made. He realized that he was over-doing it physically, working out at a much too strenuous pace for his body.

Rodriguez, who will turn 37 in July, simplified everything, including his hitting mindset.

Be a force in the middle of the lineup. Drive in big runs to win games. Don’t think too much. Just be the monster you can be. Hit the ball hard back up the middle. Clean up the bases.

Rodriguez is upbeat, excited about the season and the upcoming exhibition games against the Marlins in Miami, his hometown on Sunday and Monday in new Marlins Park.

“I’m thrilled about it,’’ Rodriguez said. “It’s kind of a big deal for me because I’ve played all these years and really only a handful of games in the area and none really in Miami.

“The girls are excited,’’ he said of his daughters, Natasha and Ella. “A lot of family and friends will be there. I’m looking forward to it.’’

Most of all he is excited about the Yankees and the upcoming season and the changes he has made.

“I used to do so much so early, it was too much,’’ Rodriguez said. “It’s just about feeling good. The skill is there. This approach worked for me in ’09.

“I’ve learned to just trust the process and that has taken time,’’ Rodriguez said. “I always want to go out and do more.’’

That is Rodriguez’s nature, but he has pulled back this year.

“He just needs to make sure he takes his ‘A’ swing,’’ Long said. “I think he is finding the exact amount to do now. He used to overdo it physically and mentally, he used to over-think processes and get himself in trouble up there.’’

What that means from a hitting standpoint, Long said, is to simply commit “100 percent’’ to the fastball and react to everything else.

“The more he simplifies, the better he is,’’ Long said. “That’s what he is doing when he is talking about driving in runs.

“He’s a monster,’’ Long added. “I still think he is capable of doing big and special things. If he’s healthy, he’ll do them.’’

And be that force in the middle of the Yankees lineup.