Nobody expected Alex Rodriguez to have the resurgent campaign he enjoyed in 2015 - except for new New York Yankees hitting coach Alan Cockrell.
New York's third hitting coach in as many seasons isn't the least bit worried about the aging slugger's numbers declining next season.
"What I learned about him as a hitter is that he's the smartest baseball player I've ever been around in every aspect," Cockrell said. "He knows his swing mechanically, the approach and how he breaks down pitchers and what his approach should be. The smartest guy I've ever been around. He's talented to the level that if an adjustment needs to be made and we've looked at video and we can identify it, he can go make an adjustment and put it into his game that day, that night. Not many people can do that."
Rodriguez, who turned 40 this past summer, hit .250/.356/.486 with 33 homers and 86 RBIs in his first full season since 2012. His numbers in the first half were even more impressive, posting a .278/.383/.515 slash line with 18 homers and 55 RBIs prior to the All-Star break.
"What the future holds, I really don't know, but I do know and I know Alex well enough to know that he is a professional to the nth degree and he will prepare himself to come in here next year and be ready to go. I would be surprised if he doesn't come back and have another great year," Cockrell added.
A-Rod joined FOX Sports' coverage of the World Series, and quickly became a huge hit with viewers for his insightful analysis, adding to Cockrell's evaluation of the slugger.