After missing the postseason for just the second time in 19 seasons, the New York Yankees knew changes were needed in order to get back to the top of the extremely talented American League East division. Decimated by injury throughout the past season, the Bronx Bombers weren't able to carry their strong early play late into the 162-game schedule, ultimately slipping behind the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the division while missing out on the 2013 playoffs.
Needing to upgrade key areas including outfield, catcher and pitching slots, the Yankees have proven once again that they're not afraid to spend in order to get what they need but despite the recent signings of top players, New York wasn't able to reel in their main priority. Inking catcher Brian McCann to a five-year, $85 million dollar deal helps fill the void left by Russell Martin from two years ago while the addition of Jacoby Ellsbury through a seven-year, $153 million contract will help in the outfield and on the base paths but the departure of a key figure and five-time All-Star has become the main topic of conversation.
Though early contract talks with free agent second baseman Robinson Canó didn't go according to plan, most felt that the nine-year Yankee phenom would eventually come to terms with the only MLB team he's ever played for. Once the Seattle Mariners presented the 31-year-old with an offer of 10 years and $240 million however, Canó's days in Pinstripes were through, bringing to end any hope the Yankees had of resigning a player that has helped anchor the right side of the infield for nearly a decade. While there will certainly be a different feel, at least early on, without Canó manning second base, longtime Yankee captain Derek Jeter said he's not surprised by his former infield mates' departure.
"I learned a long time ago I'm not going to be surprised by anything," Jeter said recently. "With Robbie, I played with him for nine years. He's the second baseman I've spent the longest time with, so I'm going to miss him a lot. We got pretty close throughout the years, but I understand it's a business. I wish him the best. Everyone knows how I feel about him as a player. I would've liked to have played with him longer, but it's a business and guys move on."
Jeter also indicated that he thought Robinson Canó would remain with the Yankees but understands that passing up $240 million would have been a hard pill to swallow. With the negotiations now over and Cano a member of the Mariners, Jeter says he's just pleased that his former teammate is happy with his decision.
"I thought he would," Jeter said when asked if he believed Robinson Canó would return to the Bronx. "I think a lot of people thought he would. But I don't know all the details of what happened. He's happy. Wouldn't you be happy? That's a lot of money."
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