It sure doesn't look like the New York Yankees will be able to avoid paying Alex Rodriguez the $64 million they owe him over the next three seasons, but they might have leverage over the incentives in his contract.
Rodriguez has a number of "marketing bonuses" that are part of a separate deal and are not in his player contract, according to the New York Daily News. The three-time MVP will earn an additional $6 million for reaching milestones of 660 home runs (Willie Mays), 714 home runs (Babe Ruth), 755 home runs (Hank Aaron) and 762 home runs (Barry Bonds).
"The Yankees, however, now view the marketing bonuses as worthless and invalid, according to sources, the result of Rodriguez's suspension for violating the game's collectively bargained drug policy and his scorched-earth attack on baseball and the Yankees," writes Bill Madden and Teri Thompson of the New York Daily News. "The club plans to do battle with its onetime superstar over paying the bonuses, and is prepared to fight Rodriguez if he files a grievance with the Players' Association."
A-Rod is six home runs away from tying Mays' mark and such a milestone was originally believed to result in a "unique" public relations/promotional appearance for him and the team. However, following his yearlong suspension because of his association with PEDs, the whole idea is no longer appealing to the Yankees. The Daily News also noted the "tactics" Rodriguez and his associates used against Yankees officials and employees during and after Rodriguez's appeal to attempt to prove his innocence have "alienated many in the organization."
It's already been clear the team is moving on from Rodriguez, especially after the signing of third baseman Chase Headley to a four-year, $52 million deal. After they made that deal, general manager Brian Cashman publicly stated he believes Rodriguez will be a "tremendous" DH for the team.
If the Yankees are serious about nixing his bonuses and A-Rod decides to fight it, there will be even more tension between the two sides in the Bronx.
