Joe Girardi Says Alex Rodriguez Will Be Yankees' Starting Third Baseman in 2013

Despite a poor playoff showing and trade rumors flying around the Big Apple, Alex Rodriguez will be the New York Yankees' third baseman next season—at least according to manager Joe Girardi.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Girardi said the 37-year-old will not have to compete for his starting job in spring training, according to ESPN's Andrew Marchand:

"

I expect Alex to be our every-day third baseman. What is he going to have to show me? That he is healthy and ready to go.

That's the bottom line -- that he has no concerns and we have no concerns about putting him out there every day.

"

Though the question about Rodriguez's status as a starter would be foolish in most instances, 2012 was nothing short of a lost season for the former superstar.

Playing in 122 games, Rodriguez hit just 18 home runs, drove in a mere 57 runs and compiled a paltry 2.0 WAR—his lowest since 1995. 

Those struggles only worsened in the postseason, where A-Rod went 3-for-25 at the plate and was benched three different times. 

Nonetheless, it was smart for Girardi to publicly state his intentions. While the Yankees would surely love to trade Rodriguez and his exorbitant contract, there are few teams that would be willing to take on that cost. 

That means it's almost guaranteed that Rodriguez will be back in New York whether either side wants it to happen or not. And unless the Yankees plan on making him a $28 million bench player in 2013 (not likely), Rodriguez will be an everyday player regardless of performance.

It may not be what the Yankees truly want, but by making his plans to start Rodriguez public knowledge, at least Girardi avoids an uncomfortable situation when players report to spring training.

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