I was surprised to read earlier today that the Yankees have made Cano an offer to keep him in the fold for an unspecified number of years and for an unspecified (although “significant,” according to Cashman) amount. There have been so many players and managers who’ve been told, “We don’t negotiate until after the season,” and yet here’s Cano warranting a break with precedent before the season has even started. Interesting.
Do we think:
1) Hal and company wanted to avoid the distraction to Cano and the team during the course of the season?
2) It’s really a significant amount for a significant period of time?
3) There’s a chance in hell that Scott Boras won’t take his client to the open market this fall instead of negotiating with the Yankees?
4) Cano has such strong feelings of love and commitment to the Yankees that he’d reject the advice of his new agent and the promise of more money elsewhere?
5) Cano deserves a mega-deal that would tie up payroll for years – the very thing the Yankees seem reluctant to repeat after giving contracts to A-Rod, etc?
6) Is Cano the best player in the game, last year’s inconsistency and poor postseason notwithstanding? Is he the best second baseman the Yankees have ever had?
So many questions. I assume that Hal and company would answer “yes” to 1 and 6. I also assume they’re hoping the answers to 3 and 4 are “yes.” But 2 and 5 are tricky. What’s “significant” is 2013? How does an expensive, long-term deal for a superstar affect the team’s ability to go after other free agents this fall? Let’s say they let Hughes go elsewhere. Pettitte and Kuroda are probably done. Won’t they need a starting pitcher, not to mention a power-hitting outfielder to replace Granderson should they let him walk too?
Meanwhile, I’d like to see the current team start beating other teams in spring training, just for fun.
Tags: Robinson Cano, Scott Boras, Yankees
Hi Jane. Just a couple of observations from a Blue Jays fan (I just really like your blog, so I often ghost). Boras likes his clients to test Free Agency rather than sign extensions. If the Yankees are talking extension, then look for it to be at least 7 years. The exception is Jered Weaver’s deal with the Angels. Secondly, as Hank and Hal are looking to get under the luxury tax threshold in 2014, my guess is any extension will be back-loaded (this is pure speculation on my part, of course). This is good in the short-term, but means that Cano will be paid more as he ages. If you want a really good example of how this kind of deal can eventually hamstring a team, look no further than Vernon Wells’ heavily back-loaded contract…he is now untradeable and a complete waste of money.
Todays news from Florida tells of a serious sink hole episode in Tampa area. Maybe George is getting restless after all these spring training losses! He NEVER liked to lose even when it didn’t count.
Watched the last 2 games. Who are these guys? I really miss being there. Maybe next year.
Wow, Jane…great analysis. I’m sure we won’t learn anything about the why’s and wherefore’s of this deal until it’s done. Naturally, I want Robbie to stay in pinstripes, but I understand the team’s desire to lower their payroll. We’ll see what happens. I too am a bit worried that we’ve only won one pre-season game – but then again, I’m assuming that most of the regular players come out after the first three or four innings so hopefully it doesn’t mean that much. GO YANKEES!!!
There are so many question marks for 2014 and beyond that I would like to see the Yanks just sign Cano and be done with it. It may turn out to be another albatross but that’s one less question mark for us. Locking up one of the best players in the game should be a no brainer. I think I’d be able to deal with his decline because by the time his decline rolls around, the other albatross contracts will be off the books. Unfortunately that means that Granderson is likely to be gone. Things could be a bit smoother if we can get some surprise performances from our farm system this year from the outfield and pitching prospects (ie: Heathcott, Mesa, Warren, etc). If Pineda bounces back this year and Banuelos next year, this will go a LONG way to solve so many questions while reducing the payroll.
Hi Tony, always good to have the perspective of a fan of another team. The words “Vernon Wells” send chills down my spine. Actually, all long-term deals do at this point (I think I’ve turned into Hal Steinbrenner). So while I want to have Cano back and the Yankees need to have Cano back and he’s still young enough where seven years doesn’t seem that onerous, any more than that would give me pause. All this will be moot though, since we agree that Boras will probably reject any offer in favor of free agency.
These guys are our future, John – for better or worse. And some are doing well. Gardner’s having a nice spring at the plate so far. Ichiro too. And Cervelli has made a nice impression defensively, it seems.
No, the outcome of the spring training games don’t mean much, Diane. Many of our starters are rehabbing or taking it slow, so we’re not seeing them in games yet. Who knows what’ll happen with Cano, but the Yankees do want to make it happen; that’s clear.
Good points, Leo. A big contract for Cano would be easier to take with the other long-term guys gone and if some of the kids mature into real stars. I wish I had a crystal ball!
Sorry about sink hole comment. I didn’t realize someone died there.
I still can’t believe that hole just swallowed him and the house up, John! I will have nightmares about sink holes from now on.