Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The cost of keeping Cano
By Doug Mittler
One of the biggest storylines in the Bronx this season is the impending free agency of Robinson Cano, a saga that started to unfold Monday when the All-Star second baseman was peppered with numerous questions about his future with the Yankees.
Mark Feinsand reports Cano gave the very predictable response: “I’m just focused on playing the game and just help the team to win a championship.”
Behind the scenes, general manager Brian Cashman obviously is trying to figure out what it will take to keep Cano, a four-time All-Star who has been in the Top 10 of AL MVP voting three times and owns two Gold Glove Awards. Cano's current deal will have paid him $57 million over six years (2008-13), but his next contract is going to dwarf that.
Early estimations have put possible numbers in the range of $180-200 million over six to eight years. A quick deal seems unlikely since Cano is represented by Scott Boras, who usually takes his clients through the free agent process.
Hal Steinbrenner disclosed Tuesday that the Yankees have talked to Cano about a "significant" contract to keep him in the Bronx, but did not elaborate on any specifics.
There is no rush to make a deal, but John Harper of the Daily News says the Yankees may have no choice but to pay a hefty price since Cano is the only elite player on the club currently in his prime. “When the time comes, they’ll have to pay Cano and simply pray he turns out to be more like Derek Jeter than A-Rod,” Harper writes.
Meanwhile, Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Yankees are less inclined to hand out long-term deals in light of the disastrous 10-year, $275 million contract given to Rodriguez.
