Mets meet with Jay Z, Cano's agent
The Mets say free agent Robinson Cano's representatives requested the meeting.
JAY Z, the new agent for Robinson Cano, had dinner Monday night with top officials of the New York Mets.
Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy Alderson were among those at the dinner. The get-together also included sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen, but not Cano.
A five-time All-Star second baseman, the 31-year-old Cano is a free agent. He is seeking a 10-year contract for more than $300 million from the New York Yankees, the only team he has played for. Alderson said last week he doubted the Mets would offer any nine-figure contracts.
"They requested a meeting," Alderson said yesterday. "We talked generally and that was it. As I said, we were approached. Having said last week that I didn't foresee contracts in the $100 million range for the Mets this season, I think that statement still attains. On the other hand, we are committed to improving the team and we will explore whatever possibilities arise, however remote an eventual outcome."
Alderson called it "a very preliminary meeting" and said it included a PowerPoint, books and pamphlets.
Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports formed a partnership this year with Van Wagenen's CAA Baseball.
"We felt it would be useful enough for us to meet Jay Z and Brodie, whether it's in connection with Robinson Cano or some future client that they may have," Alderson said.
The Yankees have said they want Cano back, but not for 10 years and $300 million.
Noteworthy
* Righthander Tim Hudson, 38, finalized a $23 million, 2-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, returning to his professional baseball roots. He began his big-league career with Oakland.
While Hudson had a hard time deciding to leave the Atlanta Braves - the team he grew up cheering - he understood this would be a great opportunity with a franchise that won the World Series in 2010 and '12. His two daughters were born in the Bay Area.
Hudson went 8-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 21 starts last season for Atlanta. His season was cut short by a broken right ankle that required surgery.
* LaTroy Hawkins is returning to the Colorado Rockies and the veteran reliever may just possibly wind up as their closer. Hawkins agreed to a 1-year, $2.5 million deal, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.
The righthander played an integral role in the bullpen for Colorado in 2007, when the Rockies made their only run to the World Series before being swept by the Boston Red Sox.
Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will be in contention for the closer role with lefthander Rex Brothers.
Hawkins spent last season with the New York Mets, going 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA and 13 saves in 70 2/3 innings.