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ESPN asked several MLB executives at the general manager meetings in Orlando questions about the free agent crops this offseason. Several of the questions directly involved the Yankees.
When asked who will sign Robinson Cano, 19 said Yankees, one said Dodgers, and one said Cubs. None of them believe he will get anywhere close to the $300 million he asked for, instead receving a contract between $160 million to $230 million over seven or eight years. One executive likened him more to David Wright, rather than Miguel Cabrera.
When asked which Scott Boras client, Shin-Soo Choo or Jacoby Ellsbury, would provide better value over the course of their next contracts, 12 said Choo while eight said Ellsbury. One executive said neither would be worth their contracts.
Phil Hughes (18) was picked over Joba Chamberlain (three) as the former Yankees prospect who has the better chance of blossoming with a change of scenery. One executive referred to Hughes as a bounce-back candidate, though he will likely never reach his potential. Another executive called Joba a complete projected.
On the signing of Masahiro Tanaka, nine executives said the Dodgers would sign him, while six said the Yankees and the Giants, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Mariners each got a vote.
Out of Hiroki Kuroda, Roy Halladay, and Tim Hudson, 12 believe Kuroda has the most left in the tank, while eight said Hudson, and only one said Halladay.
More from Pinstripe Alley:
- Yankees unsure if David Robertson is ready to be their closer
- Yankees Free Agent Target: Kurt Suzuki
- Yankees Rumors: Shin-Soo Choo is top priority, contacted Kelly Johnson
- Yankees sign outfielder Antoan Richardson
- Arizona Diamondbacks to interview Mike Harkey and Scott Aldred for pitching coach opening