Seattle Mariners: Should Robinson Cano Be Moved to First Base?
By Paul Taylor
Robinson Cano is in the news once again, with the Seattle Mariners apparently set to move the six-time All Star to first base
Seattle Mariners first baseman Robinson Cano has received his fair share of attention recently. This includes being called out by Andy Van Slyke and being linked with a move back to New York.
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Cano’s agent has since advised that his client does not want to leave Seattle. However, if the former Yankee was hoping to keep a low profile moving forward, he isn’t quite out of the limelight just yet.
The Mariners have admitted they are looking to move him to a different position. According to a report from Luke Arkins of Prospect Insider, the idea is to move the six-time All-Star to first base, and it is apparently a case of when rather than if.
The thinking behind the move is that as Cano advances through his 10-year contract, he is bound to show signs of decline. Some would argue this is already the case, as evidenced by his -9 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) during his first two seasons in Seattle.
However, as Arkins points out, the two-time Gold Glove winner actually had a zero DRS in 2014. The -9 came during this past season, when Cano was dealing with a sports hernia and stomach issues.
Aug 11, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) greets designated hitter Mark Trumbo (35) after a three-run home run by Trumbo against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless, this doesn’t change the fact that the 33-year old is going to slow down during the remaining eight years of his deal. In essence, the move is designed to help Seattle get as much quality productivity for their money as possible.
This leads to the question of when the move will take place? Part of this decision will be influenced by what happens with Mark Trumbo.
Projected to be the Mariners primary first baseman in 2016, Trumbo is estimated to make around $9.1 million in his final year of arbitration. However, several reports claim the 29-year old is expected to be traded during this offseason.
You could argue that it makes sense for Cano’s move to first base to be a gradual transition. In that respect, trading Trumbo so soon may not be the best idea.
However, you would imagine Jerry Dipoto has considered all possible angles. If Trumbo is indeed moved, Seattle’s new general manager will undoubtedly have some short-term solutions in mind for first base.