The New York Yankees are dealing with injuries to their stars and allegations of steroid use for the second time by their highest-paid player Alex Rodriguez this offseason, but their biggest headache could hover over the team all summer long-the impending free agency of second baseman Robinson Cano. Cano, the consensus top second baseman in all of baseball is represented by the notoriously difficult Scott Boras, who is seeking a long-term deal in the Joey Votto and Albert Pujols neighborhood. Votto received a 10-year, $225 million commitment from the Cincinnati Reds while Pujols, who is 33 years old, also got 10 years and $240 million.
Cano has not played in fewer than 159 games since 2006, and has batted .300 or higher with 25 or more home runs for four consecutive seasons. Cano was won two Gold Gloves in the past three seasons and three straight Silver Slugger awards. He ranked first among all second basemen last season in home runs (33), RBI (94), runs (105), on-base percentage (.379), slugging percentage (.550), and wins above
replacement (7.8). He is a four-time All-Star.
Boras texted a statement to ESPN New York saying, "Robinson is focused on preparing for and playing the 2013 season. By agreement, discussions shall remain confidential. Also by agreement, discussions will cease if they are a distraction to Robinson's performance and leadership of the 2013 Yankees.'' Cano's comments on the topic mirror Boras' statement, but he did admit that his contract is on his mind. "I'm not going to let anything get in my head and distract not only me but the team 'cause I don't want to be like a selfish guy. I just want to help the team win another championship," Cano told reporters before adding "It's never going to go out of your head. That's all I can say."
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is on the record as saying the Yankees "were willing to consider a significant long-term contract" for Cano.
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