The New York Times-20080125-Yanks and Cano Work on New Deal

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Yanks and Cano Work on New Deal

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When major league teams and players submitted figures for salary arbitration last week, the Yankees and second baseman Robinson Cano had a substantial gap. The team offered $3.2 million, and Cano requested $4.55 million.

But instead of preparing for a hearing, the sides are gaining momentum on a multiyear contract in which the Yankees would buy out Cano's arbitration years. The Yankees, who once eschewed long-term deals for young players, are in serious discussions with Cano.

The talks have not been completed, but they are centered on a roughly four-year, $30 million deal that would take Cano through the 2011 season.

Cano, who has fewer than three years of service time, would be eligible for free agency after 2011, though the deal may include club options..

Cano, 25, has batted .314 for the Yankees since joining the team in May 2005. An All-Star in 2006, he hit .306 with 19 homers and 97 runs batted in last season.

The Yankees have made little progress with their other star player who is eligible for salary arbitration, starter Chien-Ming Wang.

The Yankees offered Wang $4 million, and he is asking for $4.6 million.