Agent: Cano interested in long-term deal

The Yankees could lock up Robinson Cano, their All-Star second baseman, to a long-term deal before he hits free agency. (Newsday / Paul J. Bereswill)

BY KAT O'BRIEN |kat.obrien@newsday.com

January 23, 2008

Barad made clear that the Yankees have not broached that topic with him and Cano, and that he has not brought up the possibility. However, should the Yankees seek to lock up their All-Star second baseman well before free agency - as the Mets did with third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes - Cano could have interest.

"He wouldn't be adverse to that in theory," Barad said.

Could it get done? That's more complicated. Said Barad: "It depends on, there's so many factors that would determine that." Several of the game's best young players have inked multiyear deals with their clubs early in their careers, including the Indians' Grady Sizemore (six years, $23.45 million) and the Phillies' Chase Utley (seven years, $85 million).

General manager Brian Cashman did not return calls.

Cano, 25, batted .306 with 19 homers and 97 RBIs this season. He has a career .314 average in three seasons. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2010 season.

This is the first year he is eligible for salary arbitration. Cano submitted a $4.55-million salary request for 2008, and the Yankees countered with $3.2 million. Barad said negotiations have not begun.

Chien-Ming Wang is another Yankee who is arbitration-eligible for the first time. Wang is seeking $4.6 million, and the Yankees are offering $4 million. Wang's agent, Alan Nero, would not comment.

News source：http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyanks235548478jan23,0,1394788.story