Sep 28, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) gets a hit during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
If you were holding out hope on the Miami Marlins emerging as the mystery team in the Robinson Cano sweepstakes, you may have been half right, until now. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Marlins were a team that kept popping up as a destination for Cano:
"Surprisingly, one club that comes up from time to time is the Marlins. The theory: They are further along than you think because of their accumulation of young talent and no owner has proven more impetuous – in spending and selling off – than Miami’s Jeffrey Loria."
Sherman mentions that a multiple sources told him that the Marlins were in on Jose Abreu right until the end, he eventually landed with the White Sox for six years at $68 million.
This is likely the first and final time that Cano and the Marlins will be mentioned together as the team he will play for next season. New Marlins GM Dan Jennings ruled out such a signing to Sherman:
"“It probably doesn’t fit,” said new Miami GM Dan Jennings. “We have to know our market and our payroll and our history. And our history is to build around young players and add pieces when it has become very clear that we are ready to win.”"
Adding a player the caliber of Cano would have been something many fans would have rejoiced about, as the Marlins have not had a player with the pedigree that Cano has put together. It is however rumored he is seeking 10 years for $300 million, something that makes me uncomfortable to give a player on the wrong side of 30 years old.
You also have to take in account the Marlins recent history with free agents. David Samson mentioned last night that the Marlins are not likely to change their stance on offering no-trade clauses in contracts, so that further rules out any possibility of Cano-to-Marlins rumors.
What do you guys think about this wacky rumor out there today? I personally never saw Cano as an option for the Fish, nor do I see him considering the Marlins, given their recent history.