The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports
It’s official — the Seattle Mariners have made the splash signing of Robinson Cano and that makes the team just that much better at the No. 3 spot in the lineup. One season ago, the Mariners were relying on Kendrys Morales to hit in that spot in the lineup with Raul Ibanez behind him, but now they will be counting on the best second baseman in baseball.
Signing a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Mariners, the second baseman struck gold — with a non-contender. Seattle finished just 71-91 a season ago and had one of the worst offenses in baseball, ranking third-to-last in batting average and in the bottom-third in nearly every other major offensive category.
What does this mean for the Mariners? Well, they will not be done after this move, but it could be some time for the Mariners to be contenders. However, signing one of the best free agents in baseball has changed the culture of some teams in the past.
For example, take a look at what the Detroit Tigers did with the signing of Ivan Rodriguez in 2004 after they were one of the worst teams in baseball history. They ended up making a World Series appearance two years later and have been one of the best teams in baseball ever since. Don’t forget that it can also bring in other big names.
Rodriguez was the start for the Tigers as they have since become a popular destination for top free agents. The same can be said for Cano.
The culture will be different in Seattle and don’t expect them to miss the playoffs for too much longer.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
