New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez attends a news conference in his gym in Cancun January 16, 2014. Rodriguez is in Cancun to promote his gym and to visit the Children's Rehabilitation Center Teleton (CRIT)
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez attends a news conference in his gym in Cancun January 16, 2014. Rodriguez is in Cancun to promote his gym and to visit the Children's Rehabilitation Center Teleton (CRIT) REUTERS

Controversial New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez joined his teammates for training camp on Monday afternoon, addressed issues hounding him in the advent of the Major League Baseball, or MLB, season and expressed his thoughts on the opportunity to don the pinstriped uniform. The 39-year-old shortstop took a brief moment to address reporters at the Yankees’ minor league complex on his involvement yet again with performance enhancing drugs, or PEDs, and how he is moving forward from the fiasco.

"We don't have time for that. There were plenty of mistakes along the way. I cringe sometimes when I look at some of the things I did, but I paid my penalty and I'm grateful that I have another opportunity," Rodriguez told reporters per ESPN.

This is the second consecutive training camp that Rodriguez is joining the team hounded by issues of PEDs. In 2009, “A-Rod’s” camp organized a press conference with a handful of his teammates to support him on his public apology for his involvement with PEDs. This time around, there were no flashing lights or media frenzy. What was present were just a handful of fans that brought placards as a show of support and Rodriguez’ admission that he is just happy to be granted the opportunity to turn things around.

The 14-time All-Star and former American League, or AL, Most Valuable Player did not play the whole of the 2013-2014 MLB season having been suspended by the league for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. Due to the absence, the former third baseman squandered almost $25 million in compensation and an undisclosed amount in legal representation. Aside from these Rodriguez and the Yankees are still in the middle of contesting the $6 million homerun bonus that will be due him if he passes the 660 record that Willie Mays set. He just needs 6 more homeruns to eclipse the record and be eligible for the bonus, which according to Yankees official will be contested by the organization.

Despite all the distractions, it was business as usual for the Yankees and Rodriguez who took a physical exam and proceeded afterwards to the complex to participate in the first day of camp, which included a couple of batting sessions with some of his hits going beyond the yard. Ardent followers of the baseball player patiently waited for close to 8 hours and were rewarded with a brief autograph signing with Rodriguez after the training session.

For concerns on this story, contact the author at v.hidalgo@ibtimes.com.au.