"It's tough because every pitcher is having a career at-bat against [Alex Rodriguez]," [Rich Hofman] said. "There was a big article in the St. Petersburg paper that said, `Superman is coming to town.' We played a game there, and every time a strike was called on Alex, it was like the Fourth of July. He's under a microscope, but is doing a good job."

Hurricane Andrew deserves partial credit for that, Rodriguez said. Last summer's storm caused $3 million damage to Westminster Christian, including $100,000 to the baseball field, but it also helped put Rodriguez's life in perspective.

PHOTO: Miami high school player Alex Rodriguez is projected to be a top-five pick in baseball's June draft. / DAVID BERGMAN / For The Times; PHOTO: COLOR, ON HIS WAY: Alex Rodriguez of Miami's Westminster Christian High is one of the most sought-after prep baseball players in the nation. His team is participating in the Upper Deck Tournament beginning today at El Dorado High. C12 / DAVID BERGMAN / For The Times