Arod Announces Plans to Change Name to "A-Diddy"

Tampa _ Slugger Alex Rodriguez, under fire for using steroids during a "young and stupid" period, says he will no longer perform as "Arod" but play under the nickname "A-Diddy."

"The fans won't see any difference," the Yankee superstar told reporters Tuesday in a sold-out news conference. "It'll be the same song and dance as before, but with this new name, we can all have a fresh new start."

A-Diddy predicted the Yankees will win the 2009 World Series.

"It's going to be a great year," A-Diddy said. "Arod had problems, but that was Arod. He's gone. Now that I'm A-Diddy, I'm ready to go. Let's play two!"