This latest ARoid news has me worried.

[DrungoHazewood]

The link I posted said it probably wasn't one insurance company but a group of them sharing the risk.

85% for the entirety of the contract still seems remarkable even given Arod's record of health before he signed his new deal.

Although it's too conspiratorial and too clever by half, maybe they bought an insanely expensive insurance policy because had a handshake deal with ARod to fake a career-threatening injury as soon as his playing ability appears to slip below some threshold. He gets paid, and the Yanks get out from the salary cap hit.

Yea, there's a lot of holes in that. Most notably the fraud involved.

[SeaBird]

Although it's too conspiratorial and too clever by half, maybe they bought an insanely expensive insurance policy because had a handshake deal with ARod to fake a career-threatening injury as soon as his playing ability appears to slip below some threshold. He gets paid, and the Yanks get out from the salary cap hit.

Yea, there's a lot of holes in that. Most notably the fraud involved.

Insurance fraud carries stiff penalties. Medical professionals can face up to 10 years or more in prison in addition to revocation of their licenses to practice and substantial fines. Prison time and fines would be applied to all those who are found to be co-conspirators in the crime. In the Rodriguez situation, I doubt anybody would want to take those risks.

For the policy to pay off, a team of doctors and specialists who work for the insurance companies would have Rodriguez under a microscope. They wouldn't be writing any checks until they were 100% convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Rodriguez cannot physically play baseball. If he can walk and swing a bat there is no payoff.

[paulcoates]

I would think if the link is found to be true (he has used PED's since he admitted), that the Yankees would try to void his contract

According to Wallace Matthews and Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York, the Yankees "are looking at about 20 different things" that could void Alex Rodriguez's contract.

The Yankees aren't likely to have much luck on that front, even with new evidence tying A-Rod to recent PED purchases from a clinic in Miami. The veteran third baseman is owed a total of $114 million in salary through the 2017 season. And all of that is guaranteed.

Source: ESPN New York Jan 29 - 5:20 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/1981/alex-rodriguez

Rep me.

[weams]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/1981/alex-rodriguez

Rep me.

Do you also think they have grounds to be successful? Do you think the MLBPA will decertify?

[Blizzard1090]

I hope that all Manny listened to on A-Rod was hitting tips. Hate to see his future ruined before it's started.

[paulcoates]

Do you also think they have grounds to be successful? Do you think the MLBPA will decertify?

I dont know if they will, but I sure hope they arent. Either that or this is the beginnings of a trade and things could get really ugly for him, therefore putting a ton of pressure on the rest of the team

[luismatos4prez]

I hope that all Manny listened to on A-Rod was hitting tips. Hate to see his future ruined before it's started.

I knew a cyclist whose idol was Lance Armstrong. Doesn't mean he did steroids and was a bully. Sometimes our heroes let us down. Manny's gotta learn that.

ARod isn't a guy you should be looking up to. You need a role model? Talk to Brooks. Heck, talk to Buck.

[El Gordo]

I hope that all Manny listened to on A-Rod was hitting tips. Hate to see his future ruined before it's started.

I'd rather Bonds was his hero and Boras was his agent than what he has, ARoid and Lizardo.

[jjnono]

Miguel Cabrera is evidently involved as well. Manny would be small fry compared if in any way involved.

Miguel? You sure that wasn't Melky Cabrera?

[Frobby]

I'll tell you what has me worried: the possibility that the Yankees' remaining obligations to ARod will be covered by insurance, or avoided due to a finding that he used PEDs. They got all the benefits, now they should have to live with the consequences.

[DrungoHazewood]

I'll tell you what has me worried: the possibility that the Yankees' remaining obligations to ARod will be covered by insurance, or avoided due to a finding that he used PEDs. They got all the benefits, now they should have to live with the consequences.

I'll really not be happy if the Yanks get under the luxury tax threshold in '14 by voiding the contract of a guy who augmented his performance, probably with team knowledge. Or at least a kind of "what you do on your own time is your business" tacit approval by the Yanks.

If this works, the league will be incentivizing PED use by declining players. If you don't get caught... great, you might extend your productive career a bit. If you do, whatever, just void the deal or collect the insurance, take it off the luxury tax books, and nobody cares.

[Dipper9]

For all the Manny idolizes Arod talk, just remember that our very own Iron Man has been friends with Arod for years. Doesn't mean Cal's a bad dude. Now, do I want Manny hanging with Arod and looking up to him? Hells no. But just because he does, does not mean that Manny will turn into a steroid using a-hole.

[Blizzard1090]

As delightful as this is,one should keep in mind the investigation is just starting. When all is said and done,the Yanks aren't likely to be the only team that has a cheat on their team. The Nationals,Giants and A's are all in the mix right now.

[MurphDogg]

If this works, the league will be incentivizing PED use by declining players. If you don't get caught... great, you might extend your productive career a bit. If you do, whatever, just void the deal or collect the insurance, take it off the luxury tax books, and nobody cares.

Yup, this is the reason that they will not be able to void his contract. There is no reason for a morals clause to supersede other parts of the standard player contract that have been collectively bargained for, namely punishments for using PEDs.

[Can_of_corn]

Although it's too conspiratorial and too clever by half, maybe they bought an insanely expensive insurance policy because had a handshake deal with ARod to fake a career-threatening injury as soon as his playing ability appears to slip below some threshold. He gets paid, and the Yanks get out from the salary cap hit.

Yea, there's a lot of holes in that. Most notably the fraud involved.

I think I have convinced myself that the Yanks and Arod postponed the surgery this offseason so Arod could have a legitimate medical reason not to play at all this season. With Youk in the fold what would you rather have as the Yankees, Arod from Aug-Oct or 24~ million? It will allow him to not rush his rehab and have plenty of time to recover for 2014.