When he reaches first base, Alex Rodriguez holds his right hand just over his heart as he rotates his left shoulder. He’s been doing this for about a month now, presumably stretching-out a jammed shoulder. I was going to mention this routine the other night. It’s not that Rodriguez is faking being injured, just that is he can’t help but call attention to himself. It’s the insecurity of the A-student who needs to be reminded how smart he is.

In his second at-bat last night, Rodriguez planted a fastball over the center field wall for his 50th homer of the season. As he was rounding the bases, the entire Yankee bullpen stood and began immitating Rodrgiuez, rotating their shoulders. Some of his teammates were doing the same when Rodriguez reached the dugout. Smiles all around. After the game Rodriguez showed good humor about being ribbed. “I’ve never seen a team make more fun of one guy than this team,” Rodriguez said, smiling. “That was pretty funny.”

Comes with the territory, big boy. Rodriguez hit a second home run–and narrowly missed hitting a third–as Andy Pettitte pitched a good game and the Yankees cruised to an 11-5 win over the Royals. The Bombers have won the series. A win today would be a great way to cap the weekend.

Let’s Go Yan-Kees!