Kuroda Returns, Granderson Goes Crosstown

The Yankees will have to look for a new hitter for the heart of the order with the departure of Robinson Cano, but they've added back a piece of the starting rotation. Hiroki Kuroda has decided to return for another season at a reported salary of $16MM.

Kuroda was the ace of the Yankees staff in 2013 until he wore out in the final month of the season. Prior to that he was a legitimate contender for the AL Cy Young Award. The right-hander will turn 39 during Spring Training next year and hopes to get more run support than he did this past season. The Yankees averaged 3.2 runs per game when Kuroda started, a major factor in his 11-13 record despite an ERA that was under 3.00 until his final three starts of the season.

Kuroda joins CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova as holdovers from last season's starting staff. The Yankees still hope to sign Kuroda's countryman Masahiro Tanaka as well as a 5th starter either from within the organization (Michael Pineda) or from outside. There's a chance that the Yankees could take a look at free agent Ubaldo Jimenez again, whom the Yankees had interest in early in the off-season.

Outfielder Curtis Granderson will be switching to orange and blue after he agreed to a four-year, $60MM deal with the New York Mets. Granderson was acquired from the Detroit Tigers prior to the 2010 season in a three team deal that sent Austin Jackson and Phil Coke from the Yankees to the Tigers.  The Yankees also sent pitcher Ian Kennedy to Arizona, who sent the AL 2013 Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to Detroit. The Diamondbacks also received pitcher Edwin Jackson from the Tigers.

Towards the end of a non-productive 2010 campaign, Granderson made adjustments with the the help of hitting coach Kevin Long and it paid off the following year. Granderson reached career highs in OPS (.916) and home runs (43) and led the AL in runs scored (136) and RBI (119). He finished 4th in the AL MVP vote with former teammate Justin Verlander taking home the hardware.

Granderson hit 43 home runs and drove in 106 in 2012, but the rest of his numbers were down, except for strikeouts. The affable Chicago native was limited to 61 games in 2014 after pitches broke a finger and his forearm in two different incidences.

Report: Cano and Mariners Agree to 10 Year, $240MM Deal

How long until Cano makes this face and thinks "what have I done?"

Apparently Robinson Cano was heavily influenced by Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports or he's just plain greedy and not too bright.

ESPN Deportes' Enrique Rojas and CBS Sports Jon Heyman reported that the Seattle Mariners and Cano have agreed to a 10-year, $240MM contract. Yes, you can put the word crazy in any spot in that sentence.

Cano was originally seeking a 9 or 10 deal worth $235MM to $310MM, depending on who you believe. Despite his supposed desire to remain with the Yankees, Cano felt the Yankees dissed him by giving Jacoby Ellsbury $153MM over 7 years, which in turn limited the money they could give Cano. Cano's father felt the same way and publicly expressed his opinion on the topic.

The Yankees also didn't seem to want Cano back for some reason. GM Brian Cashman, who earlier today praised Cano, spoke about the second baseman a couple of weeks back and only referred to him as "the player". Cano had been a steady bat and glove in the lineup nearly every day - he's only missed 12 games in the last seven seasons.

The Yankees were obviously not going to go overboard after they bid against themselves and gave Alex Rodriguez a ridiculous 10 year contract in December, 2007. But perhaps the Yankees underestimated what it would take to keep Cano in pinstripes. A 10 year, $240MM contract is ridiculous and I'm glad the Yankees did not aqueous, but a 7-year deal for $189 (27 per season) might have done the trick. Instead, the team refused to budget off a range that wasn't that much more per season than Ellsbury's new deal, despite the wide gap in production between the two.

The Mariners are the big losers in this. While Cano will help them offensively, though not as much as they would like in spacious Safeco Field, he isn't going to bring fans out to the ballpark. He's a great player, but he's not Miguel Cabrera or Mike Trout. Also, a 10 year deal for a player 30 or over is as dumb as it gets.

Robbie Cano no longer making fools aware. He is the fool.

Enjoy your Starbucks Robinson.

Yankees Introduce McCann to the Media

The Yankees introduced free agent acquisition Brian McCann to the media at 2:00 EST Thursday afternoon in what turned out to be a very quick press conference. After PR head Jason Zillo added McCann's name to the long line of Yankees' catching legends - Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, Thurman Munson, Jorge Posada - Brian Cashman welcomed McCann's wife Ashley with fresh flowers and two pairs of "onesies" for their children, 16-month old son Colt and 2-month old daughter Colbie.

Manager Joe Girardi then presented McCann with his #34 pinstripes jersey and Yankees cap and turned the mic over to him. The former Atlanta Brave thanked the Steinbrenner family and expressed his excitement for the chance to play for the Yankees.

He then took questions from the floor, including one that dealt with McCann's reactions to Carlos Gomez and Jose Fernandez that nearly caused bench clearing brawls between the Braves and Brewers, and the Braves and Marlins.

A clean shaven McCann downplayed both incidents, complimented both players on their ability, and said his instincts took over with Gomez who was yelling the entire way around the bases after hitting a home run.

McCann looks forward to "pick the brains of the pitchers" to get an idea of how they approach the game and each at-bat. The catcher also said he spoke with former teammate Mark Teixeira to get an idea of what it would be like to play in New York City. He's just four months away from finding out.

Updated 3:45 PM - Here is the video of the press conference.
 

New Posting Fee Could End Yankees' Tanaka Dream

It appears that Major League Baseball and the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have come to an agreement on the a modified posting process. The new agreement reportedly includes a posting fee ceiling of $20MM.

A maximum amount would change the entire dynamic of the posting system, which currently only allows the team with the highest bid on a player to negotiate a US contract. In 2006, for example, the Boston Red Sox bid over $51MM to get exclusive rights to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

With the new posting fee, a player such as Masahiro Tanaka could conceivably negotiate with multiple teams. If four teams bid the maximum posting fee of $20MM, Tanaka would get to negotiate with all four teams. In this respect, Tanaka's status would only be slightly different than that of a Major League free agent, who can negotiate with an unlimited amount of teams.

As for the MLB teams, every team might as well bid the max since only the team that signs Tanaka or whichever player it is, will have to pay a fee.

Not everyone is happy with the new agreement, specifically the owners of the Nippon franchises. Peter Gammons earlier tweeted that Tanaka's team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles, may never post their star right-hander due to the lack of money to be made off of him.

CBS Sports' Matt Snyder also reported that there could be another stipulation that works as a tie-breaker. If multiple teams bid the same amount for the right to negotiate, the team with the lowest winning percentage the prior year would win exclusive negotiating rights.

Neither situation seem ideal. I understand MLB's desire to limit the fees they send to Japan, but putting a cap on the amount is opening the floor to all 30 teams. Why not just let Tanaka negotiate with every team and then pay a percentage of the total contract to the Japanese. The fee amount could be a sliding scale based on the amount of money the player is set to earn.

I also understand the NPB's desire to not lose their top players to American baseball. However, in this regard, they are no better than Cuba in restricting their resident's freedoms.

Yankees Grab Their Johnson

In a Plan 'B' move the Yankees have come to terms with infielder/left-handed hitter Kelly Johnson on a one-year deal said to be worth between $3MM and $4MM.

In all likelihood, this ends the Yankees pursuit of free agent Omar Infante, though after the contract the Yankees gave Jacoby Ellsbury, who can really tell what the Steinbrenner clan has in mind these days.

Johnson is primarily a second baseman, though he has played over 100 games in the outfield and has minimal third base (16 games) experience. He'll be joining his fourth team in the last four years.

The former 1st round pick (38th overall) of the 2000 MLB Amateur draft, Johnson spent his first four Major League seasons with the team that drafted him, the Atlanta Braves. After back to back solid season in 2007 and 2008, Johnson's OPS plummeted below .700 in 2009 and Atlanta not-tendered him.

He signed a free agent deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and bounced back in 2010 with 26 home runs and an .865 OPS. Johnson continued to hit home runs a year later, but otherwise struggled at the plate and was dealt to Toronto in August for fellow second baseman Aaron Hill and infielder John McDonald.

Johnson was free to walk after a poor 2012 season and signed a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, with whom he played third base for the first time in the Major Leagues. He continued to hit for power for the Rays, but was average or below average in other categories. Offensively, he is a step up from Jayson Nix, who the Yankees non-tendered on Monday.

Feinsand: Ellsbury and Yankees Agree to 7 Year-$153MM Deal

I tried to keep my head from spinning after I heard CBS Sports' Jon Heyman report that the Yankees and free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury were close to a seven year deal. Now comes word from the NY Daily News' Mark Feinsand that it's a done deal worth $153MM pending a physical on Wednesday. Perhaps it's a leaked rumor to get Robinson Cano into a panic mode since he and the Yankees are still well apart in negotiations or the Yankees are simply moving on.

Ellsbury is a very good player..when healthy. He missed all but 18 games in 2010, was limited to 74 games in 2012 and missed 28 games this past season. He was an AL MVP candidate in 2011 when he hit 32 home runs, drove in 105 runs, scored 119, stole 39 bases, put up a .928 OPS, and had a league high 364 total bases.

The 30-yr old has led the league in steals three times including this past season when he swiped 52 in 56 attempts. With Alfonso Soriano set to play left field, this could spell the end of Brett Gardner's days in pinstripes or a possible demotion to the fourth outfield position.

According to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan, Ellsbury's deal includes an eighth year option with a buyout that could bring the total to $169MM. There will be a $21.86 hit on the luxury tax. Passan still feels the Yankees can still get Cano on board as well if he lowers his demands. The Yankees are reportedly still pursuing Shin-Soo Choo and are out of the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes.

Things just got a whole lot crazier.

Update 10 pm: Getting more torqued thinking about this deal. The Yankees supposedly won't budge off the $160MM, 7 years they've offered Cano, yet they are willing to give a very good, but not great player almost the equal amount.

I don't want to hear about Cano not busting it down to first base, he's a superior player to Ellsbury with the bat and with the glove. He's also played at least 159 games in the last six seasons.

Rays Want Some More Heath Bell

Bell back in the good old days in San Diego.

Heath Bell was once "top of the world, Ma" (That's Cagney, not Titanic), but after he signed a free agent deal with the Florida Marlins, the one time NL saves leader came crashing back to Earth. Bell will be with his fourth team in four years this coming Spring Training after the Tampa Bay Rays acquired him Tuesday from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three team deal.

In addition to Bell, the Rays will also get catcher Ryan Hanigan and cash from the Reds. Cincinnati will receive left-hander David Holmberg from Arizona, while the Dbacks get right-hander Justin Choate from the Rays and a player to be named later.

Bell saved more than 40 games for three straight seasons (2009-2011) while a member of the San Diego Padres. The 36-year old signed a three-year, $27MM deal with the Marlins following the 2011 season, but was part of the mass purge orchestrated by owner/con-man Jeffrey Loria. Bell landed in Arizona in October, 2012 as part of a three team deal that included Oakland.

His one season in Miami was a disaster with a 5+ ERA and 8 blown saves in 27 chances. He eventually lost the closer role to Steve Cishek. Bell started off well in AZ with 13 saves in 15 opportunities, but then blew five of his next seven chances and lost the full-time job.

The Rays are hoping Bell can turn things around just as Fernando Rodney did after he signed with the Rays as a free agent prior to the 2012 season. Once a mediocre set up man and poor closer, Rodney was an All-Star and finished 5th in the 2012 AL Cy Young voting after he saved 48 of 50 games and limited the opposition to a 1.08 ERA. Rodney blew eight of 45 chances in 2013, but is expected to sign a multi-year deal elsewhere. In the meantime, Bell will be among those vying for the vacant closer's role.

Holmberg is a 22-year old that was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB amateur draft. He made his Major League debut on August 27 in a start against the San Diego Padres and left with no decision after he allowed three earned runs in 3.2 innings pitched. The lefty isn't overpowering and relies on a good curveball. Despite being a starter in the minor leagues, he's likely ticketed to become a lefty specialist if he earns his way on to a Major League roster.

Choate signed a free agent deal with the Rays after being undrafted out of Texarkana (TX) College, which won the JUCO title in 2010. Choate pitched with some success for the Hudson Valley Renegades of the NY-Penn League last season. In 40.2 innings thrown, he struck out 35, walked 9, and pitched to a 2.88 ERA.

3 Yankees Plus Axford, Bailey, and Hanson Among 43 Non-Tendered

Adams' lack of hits led to lack of a team

43 players will be looking for new organizations after they were non-tendered by their current teams on Monday. Among them are former Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford, Red Sox reliever and former AL Rookie of the year Andrew Bailey, Blue Jays slugging catcher J.P. Arencibia, and Angels starter Tommy Hanson.

The Yankees did not offer deals to infielder David Adams, untility infielder Jayson Nix, and reliever Matt Daley. Adams was a successful hitter in the minor leauges and the Yankees had been really high on his bat. With all the injuries the Yankees suffered in 2013, Adams got a chance to play in 43 games, but the results were not good.

In 152 plate appearances, the natural second baseman had a slash line of .193/.252./.286. His struggles may have been complicated by the mental and physical acuity needed to learn a new position (third base).

Nix is a hard nosed player, who unfortunately, doesn't have many hits in his bat. The six-year veteran stole 13 bases in 14 attempts and played stellar defense, but posted a .619 OPS. He became expendable when the Yankees signed Brendan Ryan.

Daley was called up from Triple-A Scranton when the Yankees piching staff was beset by injuries. He appeared in seven games, won one, and did not allow a run in six innings pitched.

Below is the complete list of the players that were non-tendered via mlbtraderumors.com

David Adams Yankees
J.P. Arencibia Blue Jays
Scott Atchison Mets
Dylan Axelrod White Sox
John Axford Cardinals
Andrew Bailey Red Sox
Daniel Bard Cubs
Ronald Belisario Dodgers
Mitchell Boggs Rockies
Matt Carson Indians
Tyler Cloyd Indians
Chris Coghlan Marlins
Matt Daley Yankees
Sam Fuld Rays
Eddie Gamboa Orioles
Mat Gamel Cubs
Chris Getz Royals
J.C. Gutierrez Angels
Tommy Hanson Angels
Jeremy Hefner Mets
Daniel Hudson Diamondbacks
Paul Janish Braves
Elliot Johnson Braves
Garrett Jones Pirates
Ryan Kalish Red Sox
Chang-Yong Lim Cubs
Lou Marson Indians
Cristhian Martinez Braves
Michael McKenry Pirates
Kyle McPherson Pirates
Chris Nelson Angels
Jayson Nix Yankees
Xavier Paul Reds
Francisco Peguero Giants
Jason Pridie Orioles
Omar Quintanilla Mets
Derrick Robinson Reds
Sandy Rosario Giants
Justin Turner Mets
Jordany Valdespin Mets
Ryan Webb Marlins
Jerome Williams Angels
Wesley Wright Rays

Nathan, A.J. Sign, J.P. Non-Tendered

Pierzysnki and Nathan are going their separate ways

Some of the pieces to the MLB free agent puzzle are starting to fall into places while some have been added. Closer Joe Nathan, the active saves leader, agreed to a two year deal with the Detroit Tigers, catcher A.J. Pierzynski jouned the Boston Red Sox, and Toronto catcher J.P. Arencibia will be looking for a new home after the Blue Jays did not tender him a contract.

Nathan and his 341 saves was the top closer on the free agent market this off-season. I was hoping the Yankees would make a strong push for 39-year old, but you can't blame him for going to a team whose top three starters are Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Anibal Sanchez. The deal, reported by CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, is reportedly for two years at an unspecified rate.

The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reported that Pierzynski, who ironically was dealt from the Minnesota Twins to the SF Giants in 2003 for a package that included Nathan and played with the closer in Texas last season, is set to ink a one year, $8.25MM deal with the Red Sox. Pierzynski spent the 2013 season with the Texas Rangers after eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox. He'll replace Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is reportedly close to signing with either the Twins or Florida Marlins.

Arencibia hit a total of 63 home runs in his first three years in the Major Leagues, but posted a .592 OPS this past season. (His career high is .720.) He also committed an AL leading 11 errors behind the plate.  The Blue Jays acquisition of veteran Dioner Navarro made Arencibia expendable, though the team was unable to trade him.

The Baltimore Orioles dealt closer Jim Johnson to the Oakland A's for second baseman Jemile Weeks and a player to be named later or cash. Johnson had a bust out season in 2012 when he saved 51 games in 54 chances. Though he saved 50 wins in 2013, he blew nine save attempts and lost eight games. Having made $6.5MM in 2013, he's set to become a free agent in 2015. He'll replace free agent Grant Balfour as closer, though set up man/some time closer Ryan Cook could still steal the job away IMO. The Orioles have stated they will look to acquire a replacement for Johnson rather than use someone who is presently within the organization.

Weeks, the younger brother of the Milwaukee Brewers' Richie Weeks, showed promise when he posted a .761 OPS in 97 games in 2011. A year later he was barely above .600 and has spent most of his time in the minor leagues since.

Tigers Send Fister to DC For a Trio

Doug Fister is a very quiet pitcher; he doesn't have a blazing fastball, nor is he an intimidating presence on the mound despite his 6'8" frame. What Fister is, is a competitor. One that will be joining his third Major League team. The Detroit Tigers sent Fister to the Washington Nationals for infielder Steve Lombardozzi, minor league left-hander Robbie Ray, and reliever Ian Krol.

At first glance, the deal doesn't make a whole lot of sense from the Tigers' perspective. GM Dave Dombrowski said the team is not cutting payroll, despite having unloaded Prince Fielder and the bulk of his contract two weeks ago. But with Justin Verlander guaranteed $160MM over the next six seasons, Anibal Sanchez set to make a minimum of $67.2MM through 2018, and Max Scherzer set to hit free agency in 2015, Fister became expendable. (The Tigers are trying to sign Scherzer to a new deal, which will undoubtedly be a hefty one after the right-hander won the 2013 AL Cy Young Award. He's under the Tigers control until 2015 and is in his second year of arbitration eligibility after he earned $6MM last season.)

Fister earned $4MM last year and should see an increase in this, his year first of arbitration eligibility.  If healthy, he should make 30 starts and give the Nats 180-200 innings pitched. Fister has pitched in two pitcher's ballparks in the Majors - Safeco Field and Comerica Park - and should find Nationals Park as a good fit as well. Though the stadium allowed the 13th highest amount of runs in the Majors last season, it ranked 26th in home runs allowed. Fister has allowed less than a home run per 9 innings in his career and will no longer have to face a DH, outside of interleague games.

Krol could be the key to the deal for Detroit. The 22-year old left-hander was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 amateur draft by the Oakland A's and ended up in the Nats organization as part of the deal that sent Mike Morse to Seattle.

He appeared in 32 games in relief for the Nationals this past season and averaged 7.2 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched. (Krol had four minor league seasons in which he struck out more than 10 batters per 9 innings.) He's put up solid numbers despite the fact his fastball tops out at 90-mph. Control is his key according to scoutingbook.com.

"What he is good at is changing speeds, working both sides of the plate with great accuracy, and keeping hitters both off-balance and honest, thanks to the aforementioned touch ability and a plus curve that he can bounce or drop into the zone on demand."

Ray is a 22-year old starter who has averaged better than 9 K's/9 IP over four minor league seasons. The Nationals selected him in the 12th round of the 2010 amateur draft. Though 68 of his 70 appearances have been as a starter, he is projected long term as a reliever.

The 25-year old Lombardozzi can give the Tigers some bench depth with his ability to play second base and the outfield. Don't count on him to produce offensively, however.

Overall, this is a great deal for Washington and a wait and see for the Tigers.

Harkey Jumps to Dbacks

Bullpen coach Mike Harkey has been part of Joe Girardi's staff since the Yankees skipper managed the Florida Marlins in 2006. The 47-year old is leaving the Yankees organization after six seasons to become the pitching coach for manager Kirk Gibson and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

At 6'5", Harkey made a a larger than life impression in the Yankees' bullpen. The Diamondbacks job is the first stint for Harkey as a pitching coach.  A former first round pick (4th overall  pick in 1987 by the Cubs), Harkey appeared in 131 Major League games with 36 wins and 36 losses.

There's no word on who will replace him in the Yankees pen.

The Diamondbacks also hired Mel Stottlemyre...Mel Stottlemyre Jr. that is. The son of the former Yankees pitcher and pitching coach appeared in 13 Major League games for the Kansas City Royals in 1990.

Yankees Would Be Making a Mistake in Acquiring Kemp

The rumor mill has the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in hot pursuit of LA Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. If true, the Yankees should bow out and bow out fast. Kemp is a talented, banged up, streaky player who is guaranteed $128MM over the next six years.

Perhaps this is all part of a ruse to throw a scare into Robinson Cano; to test his claim that he wants to remain in New York. If the Yankees are really pursuing Kemp the cost would not necessarily be high in the players sent to LA..if LA were to pick up much of the monies owed. If that's not the case, the Yankees are going to take a big hit to wallet, something they claim they do not want to do.

The 29-year old has always been loaded with potential and he reached new heights when he lost out (some would say robbed even before Braun got caught cheating) to Ryan Braun for the 2011 NL MVP. Kemp played all but one game that year, hit 39 dingers, drove in 126 runs, scored 115, and amassed 353 total bases. The latter four stats all led the National League and were career highs, as was his .986 OPS.

Kemp followed up his near MVP campaign with a solid 2012 season, but it was limited to 106 games due to an injured hammy. Problems with his shoulder, hammy, and ankle lmited him to 73 games this past season with and his numbers (.723 OPS) reflected it.

With Kemp on the precipice of turning 30, a (not necessarily earned) reputation of going through the motions at times, and going from laid back LA to the pressure cooker in New York, the Yankees should remember, "Let the buyer beware."

- - -

Yankees fans will rejoice at a minor matter that took place a short time ago Monday- catcher Chris Stewart was shown the door, traded to the place where ex-Yankees go to die play, Pittsburgh. The Yankees will receive a player to be named later or cash from the Pirates in return.

An ex-Yankees catcher is returning to the AL East. Dioner Navarro, who at one time the Yankees had high hopes for, has signed a two year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. It's reportedly worth $8MM. Navarro began his career in the Yankees farm system, but never got a shot to show what he could do in the Bronx. He played with the Dodgers, Rays, and Cubs and had a bounce back offensive season in 2013. The Blue Jays are reportedly shopping current starting catcher J.P. Arencibia, who either hits a home run or makes no contact.

Cano May Not Be in an Empire State of Mind

Robinson Cano insists that he wants to remain a member of the New York Yankees, but according to media reports, he and the only team he has ever known are about $80MM apart in contract talks.

Cano is the first big name client in rapper Jay-Z's entertainment agency, Roc Nation Sports. Cano had formerly been represented by uber PITA Scott Boras. Rumors spread like wildfire towards the end of the 2013 regular season and beyond that Cano wanted a 10-year, $300MM deal.

Cano recently denied that he had ever made such a contract demand, but that doesn't mean the people at Roc Nation Sports didn't spread that rumor. (Or possibly the Yankees). The Yankees reportedly put a 7-year offer on the table in the neighborhood of $160MM to $175MM, but the offer could be pulled if an agreement can't be reached with Cano in quick fashion.

The All-Star second baseman's demands actually aren't that far off of the 10-300 rumor. A 9-year contract worth $250MM - $260MM is supposedly what's on Cano's Christmas wish list. The Yankees might aqueous to the amount per year or a close compromise, but I don't see then going past the seven year offer.

What Cano and Jay-Z don't realize is that Cano is not in the same class as Miguel Cabrera,  Alex Rodriguez in his pre-cheating days, or a younger Albert Pujols. He's not going to bring fans out to the ballpark. He's a great hitter, but not elite. There are no .350 batting averages, 1.000 OPS seasons, or 40-50 home runs. He's one of the top fielders in the game, but other than possibly Ozzie Smith, fans don't pay good money to see a guy play defense.

Complicating matters is the A-Rod suspension hearing and eventual decision. The Yankees need to know whether they need to count $27.5MM or $2.5MM for A-Rod towards the 2014 luxury tax. The Yankees could possibly circumvent some of the issue by back-loading Cano's contract.

Another comlpication is Roc Nation Sports itself. Trying to play with the big boys, RNS wants to make a big splash with Cano's contract. But they could do more harm than good if they hold on to their contract demands for too long.

One final thing that should really be cleared up....Jay-Z is completing wrong in thinking "...I made the Yankee hat more famous then a Yankee can." That's more delusional than Cano's contract demands.

Hughes Headed To The Twin Cities

For a fly ball pitcher, Phil Hughes picked a new team that plays its home games in a place where home runs don't leave the park so easily. According to the Star Tribune's La velle E. Neill, the former 1st round pick (23rd overall in the 2004 amateur draft) of the New York Yankees has agreed to a three-year, $24MM deal with the Minnesota Twins.

Hughes had been a disappointment with the Yankees; he was never able to live up the hype or potential that was expected of him. The product of Foothill High School in California, Hughes made his Yankees debut at age 20 in April, 2007. His second big league start saw him throw 6.1 no-hit innings against the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.  But with then Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira at the plate, Hughes pulled a hamstring when he tried to get extra torque on his curveball and had to leave the game.

It was his first Major League win, but he wouldn't get a second until August due an injured ankle that occurred while he treated his hamstring. Various injuries (rib cage) and "situations" (dead arm) followed him for the rest of his Yankees career, but that potential was still there. He was a big reason the Yankees won the World Series in 2009 after he moved to the bullpen in the second of the season and was outstanding.

It seemed to carry over a year later when he was back in the rotation and made the All-Star team. Though he finished with 18 wins, he struggled in the second half and was routed by the Rangers in a pair of post-season starts. The Yankees still had high hopes for Hughes after a strong finish in the 2012 season. But this past season was more of the same - too many home runs allowed (59 over the last 2 years), too much inconsistency, and too many losses. His days in the Bronx officially came to a close when the team didn't make him a qualifying offer in early November.

His final numbers for the team in the Bronx read 56-50, 4.54 ERA in 132 starts and 50 relief appearances.
Still just 27-years old, Hughes will get a fresh start at Target Field, which yielded an AL low 1.75 home runs per game in 2013.