New York Yankees' 2012 Season Outlook: Alex Rodriguez

One of the greatest baseball players ever is looking to get back on top of his game in 2012. The New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez have the usual high expectations coming into this season.

Rodriguez could be seen as the most important player for the Yankees this season. Here we will take a look at this star infielder as he looks to stamp himself as an elite player in 2012.

History

Alex Rodriguez has been one of the greatest baseball players to ever play in MLB. He emerged as one of the top players in baseball in the late '90s with the Seattle Mariners. 

Rodriguez's stats with Seattle

Total: 790 G, .309 AVG, 189 HR, 595 RBI, 133 SB

162 Game Average: .309 AVG, 39 HR, 122 RBI, 28 SB

After the 2000 season, Rodriguez became a free agent and signed a 10-year deal worth $252 million with the Texas Rangers. He spent three seasons with the Rangers, which were three of the best seasons ever. Today, his time with the Rangers is tainted by his use of steroids.

Rodriguez's stats with Texas

Total: 485 G, .305 AVG, 156 HR, 395 RBI, 44 SB

Average: 162 G, .305 AVG, 52 HR, 132 RBI, 15 SB

A-Rod was traded to the New York Yankees before the 2004 season in a blockbuster deal that sent Alfonso Soriano to the Rangers. Rodriguez had to move to third base because of Derek Jeter.

Rodriguez's stats with New York

Total: 1127 G, .295 AVG, 284 HR, 903 RBI, 128 SB

Average: 141 G, .295 AVG, 36 HR, 113 RBI, 16 SB

Health

The biggest concern with Rodriguez lately is his health. He has had several nagging injuries that have caused him to miss games and not get into a consistent groove. His performance on the field has been affected by the injuries.

According to Marc Carig of the New Jersey Star-Ledger, at the advice of Kobe Bryant, A-Rod reportedly got treatment in Germany in order to help prevent the nagging injuries that he has experienced. If Bryant's 2011-12 season is any indication, Rodriguez may be able to stay healthy.

However, Rodriguez is still 36 years old, so expect him to miss a few games from minor injuries and just to get rest. The goal for Rodriguez should be somewhere around 140 to 145 games in 2012.

Monthly Predictions for 2012

If Rodriguez is able to stay healthy, the consistency of playing everyday should help him return to his MVP form. While 50 home runs and 150 RBI may seem out of the question at this stage of his career, there is a reason why he is considered one of the greatest baseball players ever. Don't be surprised if you see the A-Rod of old in 2012.

March/April

Totals: .306 AVG, 92 HR, 278 RBI, 28 SB

Average: .306 AVG, 6.13 HR, 18.53 RBI, 1.87 SB

2012 Prediction: .315 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 1 SB, 89 AB, 28 H

May

Totals: .309 AVG, 108 HR, 314 RBI, 44 SB

Average: .309 AVG, 6.75 HR, 19.63 RBI, 2.75 SB

2012 Prediction: .279 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 2 SB, 104 AB, 29 H

June

Totals: .303 AVG, 90 HR, 304 RBI, 61 SB

Average: .303 AVG, 5.63 HR, 19 RBI, 3.81 SB

2012 Prediction: .277 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 1 SB, 94 AB, 26 H

July

Totals: .294 AVG, 106 HR, 322 RBI, 55 SB

Average: .294 AVG, 6.63 HR, 20.13 RBI, 3.44 SB

2012 Prediction: .275 AVG, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 1 SB, 80 AB, 22 H

August

Totals: .312 AVG, 127 HR, 330 RBI, 63 SB

Average: .312 AVG, 7.94 HR, 20.63 RBI, 3.94 SB

2012 Prediction: .324 AVG, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 3 SB, 108 AB, 35 H

September/October

Totals: .285 AVG, 106 HR, 345 RBI, 54 SB

Average: .285 AVG, 6.63 HR, 21.56 RBI, 3.38 SB

2012 Prediction: .286 AVG, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 1 SB, 84 AB, 24 H

Overall 2012 Prediction

.293 AVG, 34 HR, 118 RBI, 9 SB, 559 AB, 164 H

Awards and Achievements

Rodriguez is a 14-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP, two-time Gold Glove winner and a 10-time Silver Slugger winner. Based on his 2012 projected season, he should get MVP votes.

He had an underrated 2011 season in the field and has become one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball. However he will most likely spend a significant amount of time as the designated hitter and not win the Gold Glove award. 

Despite the emergence of talented players at his position like Evan Longoria, A-Rod still leads the All-Star voting every year. If he starts off strong, he will be voted an All-Star in 2012.

With 34 projected home runs in 2012, Rodriguez will have 663 for his career. This will put him fourth on the all-time list, passing Ken Griffey Jr. and Willie Mays. This will also put him 99 home runs away from tying Barry Bonds for the most in MLB history.

Rodriguez driving in 118 RBI in 2012 will give him 2,011 in his career and also put him fourth on the all-time list. He will pass guys like Bonds, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays and Ty Cobb.

His 164 projected hits will give him 2,939 in his career. This will leave him to shoot for 3,000 career hits in 2013.

This is the point in Rodriguez's career where he will start creeping up the lists of almost all major offensive categories.

If you enjoyed this, I have completed 2012 outlooks on the following Yankees: CC Sabathia, Nick Swisher, Mark Teixeira, Ivan Nova, Curtis Granderson, Hiroki Kuroda, Mariano Rivera, Raul Ibanez, Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano.