There is a possibility the New York Yankees will be without third baseman Alex Rodriguez for the entire 2013 season.  No one expected that to be the case when GM Brian Cashman made the announcement that Rodriguez would need surgery on his hip, but since the surgery still hasn't taken place it's a distinct possibility.

According to Dan Martin of the New York Daily News, Rodriguez's hip is not yet ready for surgery.  He was prescribed a pre-conditioning program to get the hip in the best shape possible before surgery.  By pre-conditioning the injury (or pre-habbing), Rodriguez would put himself in a better position for recovery.  Unfortunately, the pre-conditioning has also delayed his surgery.  Martin says surgery is not expected to take place until the middle of this month at the earliest.


Rodriguez struggled through the 2012 season.  He battled injuries and poor performances at the plate and in the field.  Then in the play-offs, he was all but non-existent.  Part of the problem appears to have been his hip.  Since the injury was discovered so late, and because Rodriguez has to undergo the pre-conditioning program, not only was A-Rod's 2012 season affected, but his 2013 season may be as well.  In fact, he may not play at all in 2013.

Rodriguez hit just .272/.353/.430 with 18 home runs last season.  He only played in 122 games after only playing in 99 games in 2011.  In fact, Rodriguez hasn't played in more than 138 games since 2007.  This hip injury is just another sign of age catching up to the perennial All-Star.
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