Alex Rodriguez of New York Yankees takes sole possession of all-time AL RBI list

Alex Rodriguez of New York Yankees now holds the all-time official AL record for runs batted in.

He has passed Lou Gehrig.

He has not actually passed Babe Ruth. The RBI became an official stat in 1920, but Ruth had a ton of 'em from 1914-1919. Baseball-Reference.com, which is not official, says that Ruth has 2214 RBI, 219 more than A-Rod. A-Rod will next pass Barry Bonds, who has only one more. That will leave A-Rod fourth on the unofficial all-time list behind Aaron, Ruth and the great 19th century star, Cap Anson. On the official list, he will be listed second behind only Aaron.

I have actually picked up some respect for A-Rod this year. He has - at age 39 - won back the number three hole in the Yankee order with an OPS of .940. His career OPS is a virtually identical .942, so he's now hitting as well at age 39, without steroids, after a year layoff, as he hit when he was in his prime, with steroids. He's on pace for 38 homers. And he has done that with all eyes upon him and almost everyone rooting against him. And he has pulled it off in those difficult circumstances without being an ass.

I can't say I like him now, but I like him much more than I did before the season started.

It is apparent that, as they say, he cudda been a contenda, instead of a bum, if he had just played fair and square.