Is he a "true" Yankee now?

Alex Rodriguez has been absolutely haunted by his shortcomings in the post-season in New York. He has been raked over the coals on both sports talk stations in NYC (1050 ESPN Radio and 660 WFAN) for his lack of "clutch" play. And he never quite helped himself, always pushing to hard and saying what just seemed like the wrong thing.

Then, as all of you know, this season put everything on its ear. A-Rod was outed for having done steroids. Whether you take him at his word that he only did them in Texas or not, he no longer had to carry that secret with him. He was a cheater, right up there with Barry and Manny. Then came the hip injury that might sideline him the entire season and the surgery that followed.

When Rodriguez returned to the Yankee lineup, Mark Teixeira started to hit and the Bombers line up finally started to click. Since rejoining the club back in early May, they have been one of the best records in the majors, as evidenced by their run to the playoffs. But last night, A-Rod put so many demons to rest. Rodriguez hadn't driven in a runner since the 2004 series against the Red Sox. In game one, he picked up two RBI, which most certainly helped to set up last night.

And last night was some of that old school Yankee magic. I am not one who really compares teams over the years. I think each team is different and when you compare you are doing yourself and the team you are talking about a disservice. But last night, listening to the game, it was hard to not get that warm and fuzzy feeling (or that sick to your stomach feeling if you are not a Yankee fan) when Teixeira lined the ball to right. Then walked up arguably one of, if not the, best player I have ever seen play, even if he is a cheat.

Last night, A-Rod was able to help the Yanks win a playoff game and continue a journey that still has some very large steps to it. But it was a culmination for Rodriguez. It was a moment in time where a very proud and talented man could pump his fist and realize it was "about time".

Will A-Rod ever be a "True Yankee"? I really have no idea. But for one night, and maybe one post season, A-Rod doesn't have to worry about the boos. The fans were chanting his name in the bottom of the ninth, and I am sure there is no sweeter sound in the world for him.