The New York Yankees acknowledged that they defeated the Boston Red Sox Friday night to stay ahead of their opponent and Tampa Bay Rays in the American League race.
But the Yankees may not acknowledge how they beat the Red Sox.
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Alex Rodriguez hit the first pinch-hit home run of his career in the eighth inning, lifting the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over their arch-rivals. More importantly, Rodriguez tied Willie Mays for fourth place on the all-time home runs list with No. 660.
As such, the Yankees owe him a $6 million bonus as stated in his contract. The Yankees and Rodriguez agreed to a marketing deal in 2007 as part of his 10-year, $275 million contract, the New York Daily News reported.
Rodriguez is eligible for bonuses as he climbs up the home-run chart. He is due $6 million for tying Mays. He would receive additional $6 million payments for tying Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds, and then $6 million more for surpassing Bonds, under the terms of the contract.
But the Yankees are balking at the deal, multiple media outlets are reporting.
"The Yankees, who put a clause in Rodriguez's $275 million contract in 2007 that would pay him $6 million for each milestone homer, starting with No. 660, with Babe Ruth's 714 next, say they won't pay it. It can't be a milestone, they argue, since it can't be marketed," USA TODAY Sports reported.
"And it can't be marketed, the Yankees say, because it's tainted, with Rodriguez suspended all of last season for using performance-enhancing drugs in the Biogenesis scandal."
A-Rod was asked about the bonus after the game.
"I'm really grateful to be playing baseball; those things will take care of themselves," Rodriguez said of the bonus, as the Daily News reported. "A year ago I never would have dreamed about having this incredible moment."
Rodriguez also was asked whether he would get his lawyers to fight the Yankees over the money, he grinned, the publication added.
"I don't even like that word any more," Rodriguez said. "I'm focusing on baseball."
Not ironically, no Yankees executives were quoted publicly about Rodriguez's feat.
Do you think the Yankees should pay Alex Rodriguez his $6 million bonus for tying Willie Mays' home-run mark? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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