A-Rod: World Series

NEW YORK - Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was surrounded by his teammates and hordes of media Tuesday and this time around it felt much better to be the center of attention.

"Standing here in this booth has reminded me of Spring Training with my press conference and having all of my teammates and the organization sit behind me and literally sit right there when a lot of people were running the other way," he said. "It makes me feel really happy to be contributing and hopefully bring back a championship to the Steinbrenner family."

Times have changed for Alex Rodriguez.

During Spring Training, Rodriguez admitted to using steroids to a national audience during a press conference. Later, he missed a month of the season because of hip surgery. Today, he admitted to having a great time and enjoying the fact that his Yankees are in the World Series against the Phillies.

"It certainly feels good. I definitely rediscovered the joy of playing baseball and that's for sure," Rodriguez said. "It feels good to be on a great team and contribute."

Rodriguez's contributions are a big reason why the Yankees are four wins away from a World Series title. In New York's nine postseason games against the Twins and Angels, Rodriguez hit .438 with five homers, 12 RBIs and nine walks.

It has already been quite a turnaround for Rodriguez. He never imagined he would feel so good at the end of the season after feeling so low to start it.

"For me, it was obvious that in Spring Training that I hit rock bottom," he said. "You can only hit your head against the wall so many times before you figure out there is another way to get on the other side of the wall. For some of us, it has taken a little longer. "

"For me, the goal is to win and be a part of a championship team," he continued. "That's why I came to New York. Winning is the only thing that matters. For me, that's been the big difference. I've focused on one stat and that's wins and losses. I also knew I had tremendous limitations this year with my hip. I didn't know what I would be able to contribute. That put me in a great frame of mind from Day 1."

Rodriguez said a conversation with his closest friends before the season help save his career and possibly his life. In what was described as "tough-love" session, Rodriguez's friends made him think about his life as man and a player.

He listened. Maybe, for the first time.

"I knew I couldn't change a lot of the mistakes I had made off the field and my short-comings on the field in October and the regular season," Rodriguez said. "I knew I had the opportunity with nine years ahead of me to do things right on and off the field. I just surrounded myself with good people, starting with my teammates.  I think that approach overall has made me feel liberated and made me feel different."

 The result has been consistent play and a lot more laughter. The Rodriguez on the field now is a happy Rodriguez.

"One of the things that to me is misunderstood about Alex is that Alex is a good guy," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He is a good teammate.  He's a teacher in that room.  He helps the young kids out.  He takes care of the young kids.  He's very smart when he's on the baseball field, and sometimes when you have the expectations of what Alex has around him, the only thing that's focused on is his numbers.  But he does a lot more for the club."

Rodriguez's journey continues in Game 1 on Wednesday.