The A-Rod Saga continues

On today's episode of The Alex Rodriguez Saga ...

The New York Yankees slugger, who has yet to make his 2009 debut as he recovers from hip surgery, is currently on rehab assignment in Florida. He went 1-for-6 with a walk Friday against Pittsburgh Pirates minor leaguers in an extended spring training game, as the Bradenton Herald's John Lembo reported. He followed that up with another exhibition Saturday in Tampa, playing the field for the first time.

A-Rod's official return date had been penciled in as May 15, but the Yankees say he is ahead of schedule and could return as early as New York's May 8-10 series against the Orioles. That's pretty remarkable, considering some of the dire predictions that popped up when word of Rodriguez's injury first surfaced. It's also an encouraging bit of news for his fantasy owners, who've had to endure endless stories about A-Rod's alleged steroid use (as far back as high school!) while keeping one of the game's best players on their benches.

If you're one of those owners, start clearing room on your active roster. You should be putting A-Rod in your lineup as soon as the Yankees do, no matter how he hits in these meaningless spring games.

The Steinbrenner boys and their braintrust will not risk bringing back their multi-million-dollar man before he's ready, and the team actually isn't desperate for A-Rod's offense; the Yanks are currently second in the league in runs scored without him. Once he eases his way back into game shape, that offense will be even more dangerous. So back off that ledge, Mark Texeira owners - brighter days are around the corner. A-Rod's almost here.

Photo by GRANT JEFFERIES/gjefferies@bradenton.com