Those who believe that without conversation no deal can get done might believe the Yankees and Robinson Cano will eventually agree on a contract that will keep the club’s best player in pinstripes.
Yet, when a face-to-face meeting Tuesday and a phone conversation Wednesday provided very little progress, you have to wonder if it will get to the point where talking is pointless.
The only thing Cano’s representatives and Yankees brass agreed on Wednesday was talks will continue after the Thanksgiving weekend, according to a person with knowledge of the slow-moving situation.
Monday will make three consecutive business days of chatting, but during the first two Cano didn’t give an indication he is ready to alter his wishes for a 10-year deal worth $310 million. Nor did the Yankees significantly increase their seven-year, $168 million offer to the 31-year-old.
The Yankees might go to eight years and raise the dollars, but Cano won’t get $31 million a year to stay in The Bronx.
While it’s hard to believe any other club will go that high for Cano, a five-time All Star who has never won a batting title or an AL MVP award, but is easily one of the top 10 players in the game, remember it only takes one team.
With the Dodgers, Tigers and Rangers set at second base Cano’s market seems to be greatly diminished.
The wild card in the picture could be Seattle, which has the finances to make a splash. But would Cano really go all the way to Seattle to play for a losing ballclub?
And what about the marketing factor Cano said played a part in him leaving Scott Boras for Jay Z? There isn’t much money to be made in pitching coffee and bad baseball.
As for the wooing of outfielder Carlos Beltran, his wish for a three-year deal is still in play. The Yankees are very interested, but at two years for the switch-hitter, who will be 37 in April.
The deal between the Yankees and shortstop Brendan Ryan is now official, with unconfirmed reports the contract is for $5 million over two years with a team and player option for a third year that could bring the deal to $10 million.
Respected pro scout Rick Williams has left the Yankees to take a job with the Braves where he will be reunited with general manager Frank Wren. Roommates when they played, Williams and Wren worked together with the Marlins.
The Yankees often used Williams to evaluate pitching at the trade deadline. He replaces Dom Chiti, who left the Braves to be the Orioles’ bullpen coach.