Mike DiGiovanna, Los Angeles Times

The Yankees will explore every legal avenue to void the remaining five years and $114 million on Alex Rodriguez's contract, but unless there is specific language pertaining to the use of performance-enhancing drugs -- and that's assuming the allegations in the Miami New Times article are true -- they won't be successful.

The Angels made a similar -- and unsuccessful -- attempt before the 2007 season when outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., who had just signed a five-year, $50-million deal, was reported to have received shipments of synthetic growth hormone while he was playing for Texas in 2004.

The Yankees' best hope for recouping some of Rodriguez's salary will be to collect insurance if the third baseman, who recently underwent his second hip surgery in four years, misses the entire 2013 season. They could recoup a large percentage of the $114 million if doctors declare Rodriguez's injuries career-ending.

There is precedent for such a move -- Baltimore collected insurance on Albert Belle when the outfielder was unable to play because of a degenerative hip condition after 2001. But the insurance company could protest, claiming Rodriguez's PED use compromised his health, and the Yankees would have another legal battle on their hands.

The biggest question facing the Yankees is this: When do the off-field distractions caused by A-Rod and his PED use outweigh his potential to help them win? At that point, they will have little choice but to release A-Rod and swallow a huge chunk of salary.]

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