NEW YORK -- Brian Roberts and the New York Yankees have completed their $2 million, one-year contract, a deal that allows the second baseman to earn $4.6 million if he becomes a regular starter. The contract was agreed to on Dec. 17 and finalized Tuesday, three days after a spot on the 40-man roster opened when Alex Rodriguez was suspended for the season for violations of baseballs drug agreement and labour contract. The 36-year-old Roberts, an All-Star in 2005 and 2007, is an option to replace Robinson Cano, who signed with Seattle. Roberts, who had spent his entire 13-year major league career with Baltimore, has not played a full season since 2009 because of injuries. He hit .249 with eight homers and 39 RBIs in 77 games last year. In addition to his base salary, Roberts can earn $2.6 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $175,000 each for 250 and 300; $250,000 apiece for 350 and 400; $300,000 each for 450 and 500; $350,000 for 550; and $400,000 apiece for 600 and 650. Roberts raises the Yankees luxury-tax payroll to about $165 million, including benefits -- the exact amount is uncertain pending a determination on how Rodriguez will be accounted for. A-Rod originally was listed at $27.5 million, but arbitrator Fredric Horowitz ruled the suspension will cost him 162/183rds of his $25 million salary this year, which comes to $22,131,148. The Yankees hope to be under the $189 million tax threshold this year. . According to MMAFighting.com, MacDonald needs an x-ray on his right ankle and doctors clearance to fight or he will be subject to a mandatory medical suspension that will end on August 22, 2014. . Long snapper Patrick Mannelly announced Friday that he is retiring after a 16-year-career with the Bears, a span in which he played in a team record 245 games and snapped the ball 2,282 times. . Riethers apparent stamp on Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj during Saturdays Premier League match at Craven Cottage was missed by the match officials. A three-man panel of former referees reviewed the incident and all agreed that it was a sending-off offence. .Patterson marked his anniversary by proving his worth — once again.Lou Williams poured in 26 points, and Patterson drained two huge three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, as the Raptors topped the Denver Nuggets 112-107 in overtime Monday. . If one fighter gases, he usually gets beat up pretty bad from that point on.Heres the Cup getting some much-needed rest after getting tons of affection over the last few days. The Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/fwtFCAmnTy— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 16, 2014Heres Conn Smythe winner Justin Williams showing off his hardware.Justin Game 7 Williams
https://t.co/lWGCM2XLMV— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 16, 2014Heres a shirtless Darryl Sutter partying it up. Darryl Sutter shirtless? Yep.
http://t.co/8xxQ4hXQfE pic.twitter.com/5sfdLeOMMcV— NESN (@NESN) June 16, 2014And finally, heres coach Sutters son Chris posing with Bailey, the L.ddddddddddddA. Kings mascot. Chris Sutter and @BaileyLAKings #LAKingsParade pic.twitter.com/7vrTW7CBNO— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 16, 2014I know saying this is a pun, but they do party like kings. Mayor Eric Garcetti echoed Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiris famous speech when giving a toast to the Kings.(H/T For The Win) ' ' '
