Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? Not for A-Rod

Posted Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at 7:29 PM

A-Rod spent his second day of workouts at the Yankees Minor League complex.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez appears to be physically and mentally ready to take the diamond again for the New York Yankees. But even he admits that he has a long way to go before returning to the A-Rod form he displayed in the Bronx Bombers World Series season in 2009.

"I think it's going to be a process," Rodriguez said. "I think for me, the most important thing is to be patient. It's going to take at least three to four weeks to start getting a good read on everything, so patience is key."

A-Rod spent his second day working out at the Yankees Minor League complex, but is anxious to return to the glitz and glamour of the Bronx -- Yankee Stadium. "It's always an adventure," Rodriguez said. "The first day is definitely going to be a little nervous, excited. There will be energy in the building, that's for sure."

The obvious question was asked, but A-Rod said "No' when a reporter wanted to know if Rodriguez was currently using any banned substances.

"Right now, I'm just focused on making this team," Rodriguez said. "Obviously it was a rough year, but I'm very excited that's behind me and I have a chance to hopefully make this team."

As A-Rod works to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team, he compared this spring to his rookie season with Seattle.

"It reminds me of when I was 18-years-old and I was trying to make Lou Piniella's team," Rodriguez said. "I'm excited. I love to compete. I'm here a couple days early to get a jump start. I love baseball. I just love to be in uniform and I'm so grateful to have an opportunity to be back in uniform."

A-Rod also discussed his relationship with the Yankees 3rd baseman Chase Headley and their conversation thus far.

"It was great," Rodriguez said. "Like I said yesterday, he's an excellent addition to our team. He had some questions; all four or five guys had questions. He's interested in learning, I'm interested in learning, too. Anytime we can have baseball dialogue, that's my wheelhouse."

And Headley was also quick to chime in on A-Rod's return to New York. "I haven't lost any sleep about it or worried about it," Headley said. "As a player, you experience different things in your career, and I've been around long enough that there's been different sets of circumstances that I've dealt with. This is just another one. As far as a teammate, I expect him to be great."

Rodriguez missed all of 2014, because of his 162-game suspension, but he honestly thinks that the layoff might have helped him.

"I think for me, the time off was good," A-Rod said. "Naturally it was the first time I got a chance to rest a full year in my career. I got a chance to train, versus rehab. I feel good, I'm healthy and ready to go."

Lastly, A-Rod reflected on the absence of former Yankees great Derek Jeter.

"First, no one can replace the captain," Rodriguez said. "I know I'm going to miss him tremendously. I've been around a long time and I've seen a lot of things. If guys want to ask questions, I love talking baseball, and you guys know that better than anyone. I love the game and I love to talk it. Whoever needs my help, I'm available."