Alex Rodriguez bullish on Marlins’ Derek Jeter and MLB

Former New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez said on Monday he has faith in his former teammate Derek Jeter’s ability to transform the Miami Marlins into a winning franchise.

“Derek Jeter is a five-time world champion,” Rodriguez said during an interview with FOX Business’ Charlie Gasparino. “I would not bet against Derek, and we are going to be able to judge that transaction in three to five years.”

Jeter was part of an investment group that acquired the Marlins for $1.2 billion from the previous owner Jeffrey Loria.

“I just know that long-term, I’m always bullish on what Derek Jeter is going to do and I am bullish on Major League Baseball,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the skills adapted from playing professional baseball can translate into becoming a success in the corporate world.

“Athletes have the potential to be great business people,” he said. “Now, what you have to do is you have to surround yourself with the world’s best talent.”

The Marlins have won two World Series championships: in 1997 and 2003. Rodriguez said Jeter will figure out a way to get the Marlins back to playing winning baseball just as other franchises plagued with losing have done in recent years.

“Houston Astros were terrible,” Rodriguez said. “Now they are world champs. Derek will get a team around, and he’ll figure out a way to win.”