Cano + Boras = Request For Contract Extension

Interesting post about Robinson Cano yesterday on the LoHud Yankees Blog. Cano talked about the great year he had last year and his plans for this year.

One plan he does not have, or so he says, is that of getting a contract extension from the Yankees, even though Scott Boras is now his agent. He says he signed with Boras because Boras's company can do a lot for him, both on and off the field, not because he wants more money from the Yankees.

Well, Cano may not want more money from the Yankees but you can bet that Boras does. As I understand it, once a player signs with Boras he has to give the agent total control. Total control usually means holding up teams for exorbitant amounts of money for an excess amount of years. The player may not necessarily want that, but since they have given Boras total control, they have no say in the matter. The only way out of it is to fire Boras, and that rarely happens.

So look for Scott Boras to go after a contract extension for Robinson Cano. I just hope the whole thing isn't too messy.

Happy Pitchers & Catchers Day!

When I woke up this morning the temperature was 50 degrees. Fifty degrees in New York City. Fitting for a wonderful day, a day all Yankee fans have been waiting for all Winter long: the day pitchers and catchers report to the Yankees Spring Training  complex in Tampa, Florida.

It wasn't a good off-season for the Yankees and their fans. There are plenty of questions as the team heads toward the 2011 season. Yes, it could be a rough one. Things might not work out. But right now, optimism abounds. All is right with the world.

Happy Pitchers And Catchers Day!

Cliff Lee And Andy Pettitte's Retirement

So, I watched Andy Pettitte announce his retirement today.  A class act. Some thoughts:

One of the big questions was whether or not he will stay retired. Will he come back and pitch at some point? He did utter the three magic words, "Never say never."   I'll bet those words end up on the back page of at least one newspaper tomorrow. But anyway, something else he said makes me think he's at least thinking "never." It was his comments about Cliff Lee. He said he felt a huge obligation when the Yankees didn't get Lee. He "felt a tremendous amount of pressure...."  Yet, pressure or no pressure, he still retired. That tells me he is done for good.

So, what happens now? The Hall Of Fame debate is just getting started. Personally, I don't think Pettitte belongs in the Hall Of Fame. His career ERA is closer to 4 than it is to 3 and there is his use of performance enhancing drugs.

Whatever the case, he will be missed by teammates and fans alike. I, myself, will especially miss that look in his eyes when he faced opponents.

Congratulations, Andy, and good luck.