Remember when the Yankees robbed Alex Rodriguez away from the Red Sox back in 2003? The Red Sox were close in striking a deal with the Rangers when the Yankees made a better offer. Rodriguez was laureled as a new hero.
How things can change.
After serving a year of suspension after being accused of PED use and trying to pilfer the evidence of Biogenesis he seems to have lost the Yankees’ favour. First they denied him an apology meeting and now they have made clear that they will do everything to avoid paying bonuses that he will get (according to his contract) when he surpasses WIllie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds on the all time homerun list. Every time he surpasses one of the aforementioned, the Yankees will owe him $6 million.
Rodriguez requested an apology meeting with the team mates to clear the air before the start of the season. But the Yankee brass was clear when they denied him the opportunity.
When it comes to the incentives regarding hitting homeruns, the Yankees claim that they have the right not to pay him because of PED use and the yearlong suspension. I am not a lawyer but I think they are making a big mistake here. They must have known about the previous PED use. To me it looks a bit strange: Blaming Rodriguez for PED use while they counted their blessings while he used it.
I am not stepping up to Rodriguez’ defense. I think he should be banned for life, because of his repeated drug use. But the way the Yankees are trying to get rid of him, does not make them look good either. They were very happy with him when he neared homerun #600. He drew a large crowd but now, all of a sudden, they play the holy innocent.
Yankee brass, be fair. Just admit that you want to get rid of Rodriguez, preferably in a way that he chooses to leave tIhe club himself. If you want to get rid of him, just release him and pay the remaining $61 millions. In the recent past you threw money around like it was nothing and now all of a sudden you are trying to safe every penny that is left on his contract?
No matter how much I love the Yankees, the way you are acting now makes you look like a bunch of hypocrites.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 