Mariners fans can finally forgive Alex Rodriguez after ALCS show of faith

For nearly a quarter-century, Alex Rodriguez has been treated by Mariners fans as the enemy. The generational shortstop left Seattle for the big bucks offered to him by the Texas Rangers in 2001, and claimed it was not about the money. Seattle fans saw right through him and have enthusiastically been booing "Payrod" ever since.

However, the M's prodigal son might just be coming home.

On Sunday, Rodriguez began his redemption story with Mariners fans during the FOX pregame show leading into ALCS. While all the other analysts, including former Mariner prospect David Ortiz and Yankees legend Derek Jeter, picked the Blue Jays to win the ALCS, Rodriguez was the lone analyst to pick the Mariners, who have since rewarded his faith by taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

Alex Rodriguez picked a good way to redeem himself with Mariners fans

Rodriguez looked genuinely invested in the Mariners, complimenting Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh's leadership and excellence on the baseball field. He praised the Seattle fans, saying Seattle is one of the best baseball cities in America.

Perhaps he felt bad for the Mariners with all of his colleagues choosing against them. Perhaps it's a late attempt to win back the respect of the fans who once cheered him on at the beginning of his career. But for a man who has been one of the biggest villains in Seattle for two decades, his new support of the team carries some weight.

As the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Rodriguez has spent his post-baseball career trying to make amends with his baseball past. He's owned up to his mistakes with steroid abuse, and has softened his ego. Seattle is not a town that forgets easily, but could it be a town that forgives, with the right kind of repentance?

Perhaps Rodriguez really is turning a new leaf in the eyes of Mariners fans who grew up booing him. At least this time, they are in agreement that this Seattle team is special.