Rodriguez was released by the New York Yankees in August 2016 following 696 home runs, three AL MVP awards, a season-long drug suspension and enough tabloid headlines to fill a floor at the Hall of Fame.
Just as he did at third base for the Yankees in 2004, A-Rod is replacing Aaron Boone. Rodriguez and holdover Jessica Mendoza will be analysts alongside new play-by-play man Matt Vasgersian. Dan Shulman retired from last year's ESPN crew, and Boone left to manage the Yankees.
When discussing rules changes proposed by management to speed the game, A-Rod is as much a politician now as he was during his playing days.