Couple of things about the Yanks.  They are nearing a deal with Robinson Cano for a long term deal, and as you know from this week alone, I’m a fan of that. The Yanks though are not, figuring that they have the financial ability to react to the market in terms of arbitration, and they don’t need to risk committing money to a young guy who could go the way of Chuck Knoblach’s ability to throw.  Its a way of doing business that only the Yanks can really afford.  According to the Daily News the Yankees took in $415 million last year. (Not clear if that’s gross or net–which makes a huge difference here.)  Their payroll was recorded at $218.3 million, and they paid more the $100 million in luxury tax which went into the revenue sharing pot. The Yankees overspending is good for everyone in baseball because once they reach the luxury tax line, they are giving a dollar for every one they spend to the bottom third of teams. The thing that is also important to know is that when a team opens a new stadium, the debt taken on is factored into the equation in such a way that their luxury tax requirements are greatly reduced, so starting in 2009 look out for the Yankees.  I’m sure that gives the team a little room to wander away from policy to sign Robby Cano, but I think there is another factor at work here.  Cano is very good.  And not just god for a 2nd baseman, but good.  The numbers he has put up in his first two years are far and away above any other 2nd baseman in the game, and that is the group that Cano is compared to in any arbitration hearing.  One would have to look to Jeff Kent, who made $9 million + in 2007 to find a comparable, and they are with Cano getting about 200 more At bats, knocking in about 20 more RBI’s and playing significantly superior defense.  I don’t think it would be hard to make the case that Cano is worth the $4.55 million that he was seeking in arbitration.  Again, one also needs to look at what it would cost to replace Cano’s numbers once he hits free agency, and that would be a lot.  And Cano brings those numbers to the table at a position that few players do, which adds to his value tremendously.  Could be the smartest thing the Yankees have done in years.