My profession tends to become an instant icebreaker for people. Instead of commenting about the weather, I hear questions and opinions on the Red Sox.

Instead of "looks like it could snow today," I get, "So what is Francona going do with Varitek in the late innings against right-handed pitching?"

You can guess what the subject was yesterday and what it will be today.

"What do you think about A-Rod."

Who?

Just kidding.

Not to be rude, but I'm more interested in who is Boston's back-up catcher, and if Daniel Bard will begin the 2009 season in Portland.

I really don't want to hear more about Alex Rodriguez.

But do I have a choice? I just made the 4-channel check of NESN, ESPN, ESPN2 and Comcast Sports: Two had film clips of A-Rod's interview on Monday with Peter Gammons, one had a commentator talking about him, and the other was teasing to A-Rod story next ... so don't go away.

I turned off the TV.

The story is big for two reasons. One is legit. Baseball is a game of history and numbers. When a player takes performance-enhancing drugs, that screws it all up. Our record books now have asterisks. Who is baseball's all-time home run king: Barry Bonds* or Henry Aaron? How about for a single season: Bonds*, Mark McGwire*, Sammy Sosa*, or Roger Maris?

Now that A-Rod is chasing those home run records, his quest is tainted for good.

The other reason this is a big story is that A-Rod is gifted, famous and an easy target. Before the 2004 season, Rodriquez agreed to reduce his contract so he could be traded to Boston. The union would not allow such a maneuver, so A-Rod ended up in New York. Was it A-Rod's fault? No. But he get booed like no one else at Fenway Park.

The price of fame.

Alex Rodrigez would have been better off if he stayed in Seattle (same for Ken Griffey Jr., for different reasons). Instead, he receives a ridiculous 10-year, $250-million contract. Again, it was not his fault that the Rangers were so foolish.

But with the money comes increased expectations. Arriving to New York made it worse. A-Rod will never be beloved like Derek Jeter. Every move A-Rod makes is scrutinized. He certainly has made mistakes.

And now he's involved in the steroids scandal.

Pass judgment, if you want.

But move on.

Instead of film clips of A-Rod attempting spin control, can we watch pitchers throwing to catchers under the Florida sun?

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