The trouble with superstars is that they sometimes come to believe they are superstars

Today's Wall Street Journal (07/22/2008) features a story on the front page about Alex Rodriguez signing on as a client of the William Morris Agency. Touche' Scott Boras. I was glad to see that. The point of A-Rod hiring the William Morris Agency is not to slight Boras though. The point is to expand his appeal and income earning opportunities beyond baseball both now and when he retires. Good for him. I think it's a smart move on A-Rod's part.

Perhaps William Morris will do a better job with his public relations then he's done himself or with agent Scott Boras, although I would say the PR is already starting off on the wrong foot. Lou Rosen, vice-president at William Morris, is quoted in the Journal as saying, "(Mr. Rodriguez) has asked us to look for opportunities with corporations which will last for many, many years." That's cool. I have no problem with that. Again, good for William Morris. Good for A-Rod.

But then, Mr. Rosen goes on to say, "He(Rodriguez) is very focused on life after baseball." Therein lies the problem. Whether it's true or not, the perception is that A-Rod cares more about money and fame and less about baseball and winning for his team. He doesn't seem to carry himself with high integrity on the playing field and you consistently hear rumors about his divisiveness in the clubhouse. And he has yet to really perform in the playoffs unlike Derek Jeter. I'm not saying A-Rod isn't great. He is great. And I cheer for him. It's hard not to as a Yankees' fan when he hits like he does. However, as a Yankees' fan and even just a baseball fan, you don't like reading that A-Rod is "very focused on life after baseball."

It seems to me that A-Rod is very insecure based on how he comes off on television and in print interviews and with his actions. How ironic that someone who has so much could be insecure. But that is how it appears. So Alex, if you want people to like you start making a difference in the playoffs! If you want people to like you start playing like a guy who loves the sport of baseball and is going to earn every penny of his 10 year, $275-$300m baseball salary. If you want people to like you, earn the friendship and respect of your peers. Just because you break all the records and make a lot of money doesn't necessarily result in a fulfilling career and acknowledgment as one of baseball's greats. Just ask Barry Bonds.