Robinson Cano (Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post)
TAMPA — If father indeed knows best, Robinson Cano isn’t leaving The Bronx. And he may have a six- or seven-year deal in place before Opening Day.
Cano’s dad, Jose, has been following his son’s contract saga since the beginning of spring training. He knows Hal Steinbrenner made a significant offer to agent Scott Boras. He is aware of the years and dollars being speculated. He understands Robinson is in line for a colossal payday.
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“We are waiting to see what is happening with the Yankees,’’ Jose Cano said yesterday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic worked out. Jose is the bullpen coach. “I don’t think the [Yankees] are going to let him go. I talk to him every day and we are still waiting.’’
Jose, a former major league pitcher, wants his son in pinstripes until he retires.
“I wish he can be here forever. I don’t think he will feel comfortable [leaving],’’ Jose said. “I hope he can be a Yankee forever.’’
With the Yankees eager to retain the 30-year-old Cano and Boras saying he is willing to listen and keep talking with the Yankees, something may get done before Cano hits the free agent market after the season.
However, Boras’ clients rarely come this close to free agency and don’t enter the pool.
Still, Jose would like the saga to end.
“I hope something happens soon, he will feel better,’’ Jose said. “I know he will sign for six or seven years.’’
That might be news to Boras, and Robinson Cano only said with a smile, “That’s what he says’’ when told his dad said he hoped the son would be Yankee forever.
Boras will certainly start off by asking for something in the Prince Fielder (nine years, $214 million) neighborhood.
Having regretted giving Alex Rodriguez a 10-year-deal for $275 million — which has five years and $114 million remaining — the Yankees might have cold feet about dropping a 10-year deal on Cano, who will be 31 in October.
Robinson Cano and Boras have repeatedly said they don’t want the contract situation to interfere with what happens on the field. Boras went as far as saying if he feels it affects his client, talks will cease.
“Me and Robinson talk every day and we talk about the contract and what is going to happen,’’ Jose said. “Before the season starts, is he going to sign a contract or not? Whatever happens, he is going to play baseball the same way. My wish is for something to happen before the season starts.’’
Robinson said his parents play a part in every decision he makes, so their input will be asked for and taken.
“I never do anything (before) talking to my mom and dad,’’ Robinson said. “They always give me the right advice what to do.’’
One person Cano isn’t going to ask for advice is Jose Reyes, his double play partner for the Dominican Republic club who went through a similar experience two years ago with the Mets and left for the Marlins.
“I am here to spend time with him and talk about baseball, not talk about the contract,’’ Robinson said. “There is not a lot of people you can ask.’’
Reyes said the toughest part of playing a season with free agency hanging over your head is addressing the future while trying to play the games.
“It’s hard, you have to answer questions every single day,’’ Reyes said. “I put it aside.’’