Alex Rodriguez plays baseball.
Alex Rodriguez . Prior to the 2004 season , Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees , for whom he converted to a third baseman due to incumbent shortstop Derek Jeter . The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs , or simply the American League ( AL ) , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball ( MLB ) in the United States and Canada . The Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award ( MVP ) is an annual Major League Baseball ( MLB ) award , given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League . A third baseman , abbreviated 3B , is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base -- the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run .