For $240 million, Robinson Cano is more than just a second baseman for the Mariners. He can play general manager, too.
“I’m not going to lie. We need an extra bat, especially a right-handed bat,” Cano told CBSSports.com. “We have many left-handed hitters. We need at least one more righty. You don’t want to face a lefty pitcher with a lineup of seven left-handed hitters.”
The problem is the Mariners might not have the money to spend on added protection for the new face of the franchise. According to CBS, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has little or no money to spend on another player.
In addition to Cano, the Mariners added Corey Hart and Logan Morrison this offseason to add to a lineup that finished 22nd in runs scored last season. Hart and Mike Zunino are the only righty hitters in Seattle’s everyday lineup.
“If it was up to me, we’d have [Ervin] Santana, [Nelson] Cruz and Ubaldo [Jimenez], too,” Cano said. “That’s really more for the front office.”
Cruz and Jimenez have signed with the Orioles, while Santana is still a free agent. Cano also was asked about Kendrys Morales, who is a free agent after hitting 23 home runs and producing 80 RBIs last year for the Mariners.
“He’s a switch hitter who’s got power,” Cano said.