Quick Bits: CC, Cano, Matsui

Three quick news items to close out my long day (it’s 2:20 AM in Seattle):

1. First, Jon Heyman has heard (from someone that was not named) that CC Sabathia does not want to play for the Yankees, even though he’ll find the most money in the Bronx. There have always been rumors about CC wanting to play on the west coast (Heyman mentions that too), but he has reportedly warmed up to the idea of playing elsewhere (he likes Milwaukee, that much). Right now, I wouldn’t read too much into this. If the Yankees show him the money, he’ll show up in pinstripes. This could easily be a simple bargaining maneuver before the end of the season.

2. Next up, Robinson Cano was benched for the first game against Chicago. Cano is still feeling the heat after not chasing a ball into RF yesterday. While the 2-day benching seems to indicate that this is more of a message for next season, the Yankees are still playing for pride, right now, and that is Girardi’s primary point. Even though things haven’t gone well for the team or for Cano, he has to play hard—that’s the bottom line. This has been a very public form of discipline and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cano react well both offensively and defensively. Obviously, it’s better to finish up on a strong note.

3. Finally, Hideki Matsui will likely opt for surgery soon. Matsui has been missing games and if the team was still in contention (realistic contention), then I’m sure he would continue to play through the pain. However, it looks like he’ll be shutdown very soon, and then he’ll have the surgery on his knee. He expects to be ready for spring training. Although he’s become rather injury prone, you’ve got to commend him. He tried to play and did his best, which is what you have to love about the guy.