What Did the Seattle Mariners Promise Robinson Cano?
By Todd Pheifer
March 3, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) reacts after hitting an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Why did Robinson Cano sign with the Seattle Mariners?
After all, this is still the Mariners. Fans may be loyal to their team and the beautiful city of Seattle. However, there is the reality that baseball people outside of the Emerald City love to constantly repeat unoriginal jokes about rain, coffee and grunge music.
In addition, the Mariners are not exactly the gold standard for how to run a successful baseball team. At least, they haven’t been in recent seasons.
It is still strange to think about the fact that Cano decided to come here. The New York Yankees are supposed to take players from other teams, not the other way around. Granted, the Mariners have been critiqued for overpaying for Cano. If he had re-signed with the Yankees, he probably would have received fewer years and significantly less money.
So what made Cano agree to come? Did Jack Zduriencik simply write “$240 million” on a piece of paper and slide it across the desk? Did he say, “Go ahead and try to match that offer?”
Did Mariners management make a lot of promises about a winning culture and a productive supporting cast of hitters?
In a recent interview, Cano suggested that the Mariners need another bat. Was he simply stating an obvious reality that everyone knows? After all, this lineup is hardly going to intimidate opposing pictures. Or, is it possible that Cano made these comments because the Mariners promised to be aggressive and get Cano some help?
Even if the Mariners made some “promises,” you still have to put some responsibility on Cano. If Cano did his homework, he would realize what this team has spent on payroll in recent years. Cano should also realize that this team has not been a winning franchise in quite some time.
What was said behind closed doors may never be known. If the Mariners do not win or add pieces in the near future, we may hear a few more comments from Mr. Cano.