SAN FRANCISCO, CA (The Spread) – Even though the deadline for contract talks have now been set, the Giants are still working to try to sign Matt Cain to a long-term deal before the season starts.
The Giants are committed to keeping Cain in their talented rotation beyond 2012, and CEO and president Larry Baer says serious conversations are ongoing with the pitcher’s representatives.
Cain said at the start of spring training last month he hoped to have the situation resolved one way or the other by opening day April 6 at Arizona. Baer says San Francisco is “earnestly working with his agents” to negotiate a deal that works for both sides – and that something still could be accomplished in Cain’s timeframe (which is now Opening Day). Cain set the deadline of Opening Day because he doesn’t want the negotiations to be a distraction for him or his club during the season.
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The 27-year-old Cain went 12-11 last season with a 2.88 ERA, reaching 200 innings for the fifth straight season. He is expected to seek a five-year contract worth more than $100 million, and Baer isn’t against making a long-term offer.
According to oddsmakers the Giants are currently 16/1 to win the 2012 World Series and 13/2 to win the National League Pennant this season. They’re also 7/5 to win the National League West Division and have an over/under of 87 for number of wins in 2012.
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