Submitted by Robert Osborne, Nov 30, 2007 13:52

As a Yankee fan, I would have to disagree with your premise about A-Rod's contract. Let's dismiss for now whether or not he will play well enough to "earn" his money, especially as he gets older.

I believe that it sets a bad president to over-pay, especially when you are bidding against no one. No other team was going anywhere near $250 million, in my opinion. The next time a big star comes to the Yanks for a contract, don't think that the size of A-Rod's contract wont affect the asking price. This goes for current Yankees like Jeter or Cano, or potential future Yanks like Johan Santana. (I don't believe Santana would be talking $25 million per year, if the Yanks didn't seem so anxious to spend.)

Also, A-Rod puts a lot of undo pressure on himself and the media just piles on because of the salary. I just don't think he is emotionally equipped to handle it. Also, I'm sick of hearing Yankee haters say that the Yanks buy championships (though, when they actually were winning the World Series I don't believe they had the highest payroll.) Paying him or anyone else more than the market dictates, just adds fuel to the fire.

One more thing, this bonus for milestone home runs is a real bad idea. Not only should he be expected to streak past these marks with his "base" salary, but we've all seen how added pressure puts A-Rod into slumps. Joel Sherman pointed this out recently. Imagine if he goes into a prolonged slump every time he reaches a milestone (remember 500). $6 million extra pressure wont help.

I just believe that it is time for A-Rod humble himself a little, and think about winning instead of whining about more money. Maybe, then the curse that he took from the Red Sox will leave him and the Yanks.

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