The New York Yankees are in a tough spot when it comes to Robinson Cano, as they want to sign the second baseman back, but not at the 10-years and $300 million he wants and on top of that, they must deal with a new representative in Jay Z who wants to make a splash with his first big deal and that is why he is selling the second baseman as Michael Jordan in pitches to teams.
The first reports about Cano wanting $300 million over 10-years came out during the postseason and in more detail leading into the offseason and that had the Yankees a bit worried, as they were not happy with the way the Alex Rodriguez deal has gone and likely don't want another one like that. Yankees president Randy Levine has come out to say that the team loves Cano, but they are not interesting in paying $300 million to one player. He added the great line of "Until he gets a little more realistic, we have nothing to talk about" and that could be a shot at both Jay Z and Cano, saying that the Yankees want to deal with Cano, but not on such ridiculous terms.
Chances are that teams in the league will not be going for the $300 million anyway, but it is a worry for the Yankees, as Cano is their best player right now and they developed him and now could lose him to another rival. Teams around the league don't have that much money to burn, but some do and ones like the Texas Rangers, Dodgers, Angels, Mets or Tigers could step up to the plate, but it will likely take months for a market to develop for Cano, especially if he is asking for so much money. Cano is being marketed to team as a Michael Jordan type, according to the Daily News and Hardball Talk and that is how Jay Z is presenting Cano as a free agent.
While it's understandable that Hova wants to make a splash with Cano, this type of talk is misguided and is likely going to get Cano a nice chunk of money, but could lose some things in return, especially if he leaves the Yankees. Cano is NOT Michael Jordan. Cano is not MJ even when comparing his play on the field/court and he is especially not off of it either. Sure Cano will get his endorsements and so on, but he is no Michael Jordan when it comes to putting butts in the seats and selling shoes or other apparel.
Cano was the best and only healthy great player for the Yankees this season and guess what? Attendance and the YES Network ratings were down across the board and that is not a good sign for "Michael Jordan". Cano is a great player, don't get me wrong, but he is no Jordan. You can't compare a guy who played sick and injured all the time to a guy that has problems running out every ground ball to first base. You can't sell a guy as an MJ and a $300 million player when, yes, this guy, does...not...run...out ...ground balls to first base. Sorry, can't get past that. If you want to be Michael Jordan and the highest paid player ever, at least show us you deserve it bro.