So Cano's Gone. What's Next?

I woke up this morning knowing that Jay-Z and Robinson Cano were traveling to Seattle to talk money with the Mariners. What sources said was that Seattle offered Cano a nine-year contract worth $225M, but then Jay-Z rose up the value to ten years worth $240M. At that point, I figured Seattle was out of the race for the second baseman, but this afternoon, the Mariners ended up signing the free agent to the ten year deal. Today was a compilation of terrible reporting and bad news. 

Earlier this week, the Yanks signed OF Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven year deal worth a little over $150M. Now look, I love the guy's work ethic, but there is not one valid excuse in the universe that explains why the Yankees gave him that much cash.  Of course Ellsbury will be a huge contributor to this upcoming season, but the money invested just might backfire in the long run. 

Cano's absence now leaves a huge hole in the Yankees lineup. Kelly Johnson and Brendan Ryan are nice utility players, but Joe Girardi will certainly miss the security and talent that Robbie provided. In difficult times like these, I always try to search for a silver lining. 

The Bombers best player's gone, but here's that silver lining:

1. Brian McCann and Jacoby Ellsbury:  These two left handed sluggers may have cost over $230 million, but the short left field porch will a play to their advantage, and I have no doubts that they will impact the lineup positively. The Yanks needed a catcher, and what did they do? they got one of the best hitting catchers in the game. Ellsbury brings speed, and stolen bases are a threat to any opponent. I know it's a lot of money, but you can't blame the Yankees for going all in on these huge signings; they really had no other options available. 




2. No A-rod? No problem: If Alex Rodriguez' suspension remains upheld by Major League Baseball, the Yankees would receive about $86 million in return. With A-Rod out of the picture, the Yanks are left with a golden opportunity to invest in other valuable players. Some people have said that A-Rod won't ever put the pinstripes on again, and pray to god that Rodriguez won't. 

3. More Money= Brighter Future:  If Robinson Cano accepted the Yankees $225 million contract, Brian Cashman would've been placed in a difficult position to add more depth to the roster. Cano in Seattle saves the Yanks so much money that they can now go after all stars such as OF Shin-Soo-Choo, or valuable pitchers in the free agent market. Also, this now gives the Yankees a chance to trade for IF Omar Infante to fill the second base slot. He would be much cheaper to keep, and he's only a year older than Cano. 

Am I disappointed with Cano's decision, yes. But I do respect his decision. The guy's a business man, and this game is all about the big bucks. I know business is business, so I wish Cano the best of luck on whatever he "expects" to gain playing for one of the worst franchises in baseball. Thank you for a great seven years in pinstripes. You will be missed around here. 

It's not so bad Yankee fans. Keep the faith.