The World Series is over. It's Halloween. So it seems like the perfect time for another Alex Rodriguez missive.
Getting into the holiday spirit, this one uses the term "house of horrors" as it attacks MLB and commissioner Bud Selig for standing behind the investigation that resulted in Rodriguez's 211-game suspension.
“I am deeply troubled by my team's investigative findings with respect to MLB's conduct," Rodriguez said in a statement released through his spokesman. "How can the gross, ongoing misconduct of the MLB investigations division not be relevant to my suspension, when my suspension supposedly results directly from that division's work?
“It is sad that Commissioner Selig once again is turning a blind eye, knowing that crimes are being committed under his regime. I have 100% faith in my legal team. To be sure, this fight is necessary to protect me, but it also serves the interests of the next 18-year-old coming into the league, to be sure he doesn't step into the house of horrors that I am being forced to walk through.”
So why this statement now? A-Rod's spokesman, Ron Berkowitz, said it was in response to Selig saying during the World Series that he stands by his investigative team. Berkowitz said that A-Rod wanted to wait until after the Series to respond.
MLB's COO Rob Manfred did respond, issuing a statement Thursday afternoon that read, "This latest, sad chapter in Mr. Rodriguez's tarnished career is yet another example of this player trying to avoid taking responsibility for his poor choices. Given the disappointing acts that Mr. Rodriguez has repeatedly made throughout his career, his expressed concern for young people rings very hollow. Mr. Rodriguez's use of PEDs was longer and more pervasive than any other player, and when this process is complete, the facts will prove that it is Mr. Rodriguez and his representatives who have engaged in ongoing, gross misconduct."
As you likely remember, A-Rod's has a history of making news when the Red Sox are in the Fall Classic.
Back here in 2013, A-Rod's side has alleged various misconduct in his lawsuits filed earlier this month. On Wednesday, StatementPalooza centered around the "rat" allegations.
Here's the thing with all the statements: While many of them have been highly entertaining, they don't matter. The lawsuit against MLB makes its debut in court with a conference in one week, on Nov. 7. If it goes to trial, it will not be for many months, or even years.
The current appeal of the suspension is set to resume on Nov. 18 and it will end ... well, no one knows for sure. But the only words that will ultimately matter will be the ones from arbitrator Frederic Horowitz.