Cano's father: Yankees will retain Robinson

03/04/2013 4:17 PM ET

By The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Robinson Cano's father says he expects the New York Yankees to re-sign their All-Star second baseman rather than let him leave through free agency after the season.

Jose Cano says he hopes Robinson will spend his entire career in New York. Jose thinks his son will get a six- or seven-year contract. The 29-year-old Cano can become a free agent for the first time in his career after the World Series ends.

Jose Cano made his comments at the Yankees' Spring Training complex, where the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic team is training. Robinson is a member of the squad and his dad is a coach.

The Dominican Republic will play the second of two exhibition games Wednesday against the Yankees in Tampa.