Maybe Robinson Cano knew what he was doing all along, letting rumors swirl about his desired $300 million contract. The Yankees balked at the idea of paying Cano $310 million over 10 years, and it’s just as well, because Cano didn’t want to play in pinstripes anymore anyway.
Cano signing with the Mariners didn’t surprise the Yankees, since the second baseman apparently didn’t even call the team to give them a chance to match Seattle’s big offer, according to George A. King III of the New York Post. Anonymous sources told King that Cano didn’t like the way the Yankees were utilizing him, which made his decision even easier.
“Robbie didn’t like batting second, he wanted to bat in the middle of the order,’’ one person said. “The Yankees wanted him second because that was best for the team. He wanted to hit in the middle of the order to drive in runs [to increase his value].’’
Cano batted third in 110 games, hitting .319 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and a .886 OPS As the No. 2 hitter in 42 games, he hit .308 with 10 homers, 30 RBIs and a .955 OPS.
“He told me he didn’t want to play for [Joe Girardi],’’ a friend of Cano’s said.
Rumors swirled that the Yankees had inquired about Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips in case Cano actually bolted elsewhere, but now that that’s actually the case it seems like the Yankees just used that rumor as bait to get Cano to stay in New York. Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty has since said that the Yankees themselves leaked that rumor to use as leverage with Cano.
Photo of the day
“Dueces, New York.”
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Tweet of the day
Someone’s excited.
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Video of the day
Taylor University’s Silent Night — the best tradition in college basketball.
