The Mariners made it official Thursday, signing All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano to what the club described as “multi-year contract” without disclosing terms. It has been widely reported that Cano’s deal is for 10 years and $240 million. The Mariners will introduce Cano at a Safeco Field press conference Thursday at 3 p.m.
“We have made a major commitment to a player who is one of the most dynamic in major league baseball,” said Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik in a club statement. “And Robinson has made a commitment to the Seattle Mariners organization and to the City of Seattle. We have stayed true to our plan of building our organization from the ground up through the amateur draft and player development, and now have had the opportunity to add an All-Star player through free agency.”
Cano, 31, is a five-time All-Star, including the American League starter at second base each of the last four seasons. He has won five Silver Slugger Awards (2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) and two Gold Gloves (2010, 2012).
In nine seasons with the New York Yankees (2005-2013), Cano has combined to bat .309 with 375 doubles, 28 triples, 204 home runs and 822 RBIs in 1,374 games. His team record in games played is 797-577 (.580), the second-highest winning percentage (min. 1,000 G) by an active player (Derek Jeter, .598: 1,556-1,044-2).
“I am really happy to be here in Seattle and look forward to helping the Mariners organization win a championship and bring a World Series trophy to the Pacific Northwest,” Cano said.
Over the past five seasons (2009-2013), Cano has combined to hit .314 with 496 runs, 224 doubles, 13 triples, 142 home runs, 513 RBI and a .899 OPS. His 379 extra-base hits over are second-most behind Miguel Cabrera (385), while his 224 doubles are by far the most (Billy Butler has the second-most with 199). His 290 multi-hit games are also the most. Cano has finished in the top six in the voting for AL MVP in each of the last four seasons, including third in 2010, sixth in 2011, fourth in 2012 and fifth last season.
Cano has appeared in the postseason in seven of his nine seasons, recording 21 extra-base hits in 51 playoff games. He has participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby each of the last three seasons, winning the title in 2011 (Chase Field) with 32 home runs.
Also see: Further Review: 10 Things To Know About Cano
3 Comments
If Cano could take all the at-bats and do all the fielding, and Felix could pitch all the games, the M’s might have a chance. But with roughly half the M’s payroll gone to two guys, those two will be surrounded by the usual misfits, has-beens, and never-weres. There will almost certainly not be situations where the opposing team has to pitch to Cano. 8 games a year from 99 to 06, and ZERO since. And I won’t be back until Lincoln is gone.
Well, Cano surrounded by Bloomquist, Hart and Morrison, we know the Rangers and A’s are sweatin’ baseball stiches.
“I am really happy to be here in Seattle and look forward to helping the Mariners organization win a championship and bring a World Series trophy to the Pacific Northwest,” Cano said.”
Obviously Cano knows next to nothing about the M’s organization …. other than their first check to him didn’t bounce.