“It’s a very different negotiations than most,” Boras said. He added about the Yankees, but it fit other potential chasers, too: “They’re smart. If they’re going to do something I think they can earnestly tell you that right now they’re not doing it and have every intention of doing something else when it’s best for them to do it.”

LINEUP CHATTER

Admitting that he’s a “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” kind of guy, Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said he’s toying with the idea of having Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt atop the team’s lineup, but it will definitely be Carpenter at leadoff.

“I would say, in heavy pencil – you can expect to see Matt Carpenter in the leadoff spot,” Shildt said of the All-Star who has thrived in the spot despite yearly attempts to move him into the middle of the order. “I also recognize that it’s Dec. 12. Things change. Dynamics change. Never say never. I feel like that’s a piece that’s pretty well cemented.”