Here’s something out of the ordinary, the Yankees NOT wanting to hand out money. Reports floating around are that the team is trying to get out of paying Alex Rodriguez around $30 million in “milestone bonuses.”
For example, he is just six homers away from tying Willie Mays on the all time list. The Yankees would pay him $6 million to use his likeness in any marketing items: hats, shirts, figurines etc… Think DJ3K. If there’s one thing the Yankees are good at it is squeezing every penny possible out of marketing their player’s achievements. However, the team believes that people just won’t care about his milestones, plain and simple. And with all his bullshit (for lack of a better word) lately, who can blame them?
Based on the wording in the contract “The Yankees are under no obligation to exercise its right to designate a historical accomplishment as a milestone provided that its decision is made in good faith and in accordance with the intent of the parties in the covenant.” ARod however, can choose to file a grievance if the team doesn’t designate a homer as a milestone. The next milestone after Mays would be tying Babe Ruth on the all time list, which he is 60 home runs away from, no way he is reaching that.
But does ARod really want to bring this thing to court and sit under oath while trying to defend every single one of his homers was legitimate? Come on. Not even he can be that stupid. The Yankees are prepared to make the claim that ARod didn’t act in good faith; i.e the Biogenesis scandal and the resulting lies upon lies rendered any marketing campaign worthless.
If it’s brought to court than ARod would have to avoid making any drug related admissions outside of the year he was suspended or he could face even more suspensions, or even a ban. The Yankees could bring up HGH doctor Anthony Galea who was rumored to be tied to many professional athletes. It’s a slippery slope for him, he would have to tread carefully.
ARod has $61 million guaranteed coming from the Yankees over the next three years. He allegedly reached out to his former agent Scott Boras, who was the one who came up with the milestone marketing part of the contract. He could be looking for a friend should the case make it to court.
Just another sideshow attraction in the great Rodriguez circus.
