Cano, Yanks Close to long-term deal

From John Heyman of SI.com:

The Yankees and star second baseman Robinson Cano are in serious negotiations on a deal that could keep him in pinstripes for up to six years, SI.com has confirmed.

The contract being discussed would pay Cano a guaranteed $30 million over the next four years, all arbitration years, and could possibly also include club options for 2012 and 2013. The Yankees would benefit if both club option years are included because 2012 and 2013 will be the first two years Cano is eligible for free agency.

Cano recently requested $4.55 million through arbitration with the Yankees submitting a $3.2-million figure. However, it appears unlikely that he will be going through that process now. News of multiyear discussions between Cano and the Yankees was first reported by FOXSports.com.

I'm glad to see the Yankees are open to locking up Cano, which is very un-Yankee like. Like I said yesterday this is much smarter than going year-to-year, and potentially having to cough up a much larger contract once Robbie hits the open market in 2010.