Cain wants ‘fair value,' answer before season

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Cain is consulting with Buster Posey's agent as he and the Giants continue conversations about a multiyear contract that would keep him with the club beyond this season.

"We're listening to anything that's of fair value," Cain said. "That's the way we're taking it."

Giants CEO Larry Baer, who arrived in camp Saturday, said "there has been a lot of back and forth conversations. It's conversation and that's a good thing."

Do the Giants share a common idea on what represents "fair value" for Cain?

"To be determined," said Baer, after a pause. "To be determined. ... To be determined."

Cain reiterated that he wants a resolution before the April 6 season opener.

"I believe both sides would like to have something resolved, whether it's signing back or not," he said. "Once the season starts, I want to be thinking about the season."

Baer said Cain remains a top priority, calling him "one of our guys we'll put a lot of energy into."

Energy is nice. Dollars are better.

Cain's agents, Landon Williams and Rick Landrum, moved in December from their NFL-heavy agency in Memphis to CAA -- an international firm that represents celebrities as well as players in all professional sports. Williams and Landrum followed Jimmy Sexton, who represents mostly NFL players as well as a stable of high-profile coaches such as Nick Saban and Bill Parcells.

CAA represents dozens of high-profile major leaguers, including Posey. His agent, Jeff Berry, is assisting in Cain's negotiations.

"He does a great job and we've built a relationship quickly," Cain said. "I still talk to Landon, Rick and Jimmy on a more normal basis. ... It's great because they're able to tap into a lot more resources. It's going to be beneficial for both sides."

In other news, Cain said the Giants would have their annual meeting with the Players Association, and he expected players would have plenty of questions about the league's drug testing procedures following Ryan Braun's lifted suspension. An arbitrator ruled Friday that Braun's 50-game suspension should be rescinded because there was a breakdown in the chain of custody of his urine sample, which tested positive for a banned substance.
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"It's something everybody will want to talk about," said Cain, adding he didn't know enough about the specifics to venture an opinion. "I haven't gotten any info. I guess we'll find out."

Cain will serve as the Giants' union representative again this season.

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