Why He's No. 30

Rodriguez is a charismatic person and a generous athlete with strong community connections. 1998 marked the first year of the Alex Rodriguez Evening with the All Stars benefit, which has since raised more than $500,000 for The Boys and Girls Club of Miami. The club was vital in his growth when he was just 7 years old. Construction began in 2005 for the Alex Rodriguez Learning Center in Miami, which will focus on the advancement of literacy, computer study and math skills for children.

A-Rod has helped the organization out on a number of occasions, even playing Santa Claus in 2004 at a christmas party which treated kids to pizza, gifts and other treats. Rodriguez has also set up a scholarship fund with the University of Miami and participates in several fundraising evenings. In 2003, he also funded $3.9 million for the renovation of the University of Miami's baseball field.

Back Stage

After failing in the postseason with the Yankees in 2006, A-Rod has seemingly worn out his welcome in New York. His regular season statistics continue to sparkle, but they are overshadowed by his inability to make clutch hits in the playoffs. There have already been some preliminary rumors about the Yankees trading him, and although his lofty contract figures seem to be an impediment, there will be suitors waiting with open arms for this surefire hall of famer.

Forcaste

Alex Rodriguez is a two-time Major League Baseball MVP and is one of the top players in the league. He is a member of the 50 Home Run Club and is one of only four members in the 40-40 club (home runs and steals). He is well known for signing the most lucrative contract in sports history -- a 10-year, $252-million pact with the Texas Rangers was signed and sealed in 2000.

At one point in his career, he was frequently touted as a five-tool player and he was arguably one of the best in the sport. Unfortunately, like a number of players who have sported the pinstripes, A-Rod has seemingly shriveled under the bright lights in New York as a Yankee.