HARD TALK FOR ROBINSON CANO

Right around the time that Robinson Cano dropped Scott Boras, and got on board with Roc Nation Sports, I thought to myself "This may not end as well as everyone seems to think it will." Granted, Creative Artist Agency is actually in charge of his representation, and they have plenty of experience with sports clientele, but there was something off about the whole thing. Firstly, with Cano being the first to sign with Roc Nation, the goal would be a big contract to put up the illusion of success. Secondly, and the most important, what experience does Rocafella have in the representation of sports athletes? Yes, Jay-Z and company have been successful within the music industry, but sports is a whole different ball game.

Cano is currently asking $252 million over 9 years, with a $28 million option for the 10th year. While not the initial asking price of $300 million over 10 years, it's not far off, totaling $280 million over 10 years. Cano is NOT worth it. My opinion of course. Better yet, no one is worth it. No one is above their team, and no one is a must sign at all costs. The Yankees have already vowed not to go above the $175 million they are currently offering him and it seems like they're sticking to that.

Now, I love Cano. I want to see him in pinstripes again next season. But I do not love him enough to think that the Yankees should throw money at him to get it done. The Yankees have a clear goal. They want to get below that luxury tax line. I wrote READING THE FINE PRINT IN THE LUXURY TAX INCENTIVE months back explaining what the Yankees are trying to accomplish and why.  If you haven't read it, you should take a moment to do so so that you can fully understand the logic behind it. And truthfully, it is logical. It is smart money management on the Yankees parts, even if we can't see it. 

Add to it, the ridiculous amount he is requesting, and the signing of Jacoby Ellsbury, and it's safe to say the Cano situation is cluster fucked!  Don't tell on me, I said the F. Why? This is crazy.  Look, the Ellsbury signing at $153 million over 7 yrs is a clear message to Cano. Casey wrote that in BRONX SHOCKER: ELLSBURY TO WEAR PINSTRIPES. Either get with the program, or pack your stuff and get gone! The big contract is not happening. Not on the Yankees dime, not anymore.

The Seattle Mariners seem to be willing to give him that $200+ million contract. I wouldn't shed a single tear watching him leave if that happens. He would have brought it upon himself. I am not a supporter of big contracts. Never was. It's a risk that I believe no team should make. It hasn't worked out very well in recent years. Think of Josh Hamilton, and Albert Pujols. Yes, I know it is an athlete-by-athlete case. I know the results can be different, but it is a risk, and really, why chance it? I think the Yankees are being generous in offering Cano $175 million over 7 years. $25 million a year is no small potatoes. It is reasonable, and Cano should snatch at it before he misses the opportunity. 

The bottom line here is that Cano is looking very greedy. That's the perception. It isn't about the love of the sport at this point. It isn't about him getting paid his worth at this point. It is about getting enough money to roll around naked in. Greed! Plain and simple. And frankly, New York fans do not respond well to greed. Ask your teammate Alex Rodriguez how well that has worked out for him. I'm a big believer in protecting your reputation and your legacy. How people view you, and what you leave behind are directly effected by the actions you take. Be a man or woman of integrity and honor. Exhibiting greed effectively kills both your reputation, and your legacy. So, what's it worth to you, Robbie?  Right now you have two choices:

Chase the money, or remember that the love of the game above all else made you what you are today.

What legacy will you leave behind, Robbie? What's it worth?

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



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