Parting Shots on Cano

It appears that Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long had some bitter grapes to spew on Robinson Cano after his departure to Seattle. Long had some comments about lack of hustle from Cano. While it is typical coach speak it is also laughable that Long is trying to lash out at one of the most productive players under his tenure. 

The coach bio for Long lauds the fact that the Yankees were so productive in his six seasons with the club. During that span Cano was easily the most productive capped by the fact he was the only starter to hit above .300 in three of those seasons: 2010 (.319), 2011 (.302) and 2013 (.314). Besides Cano helping pad Long's bio page the Yankees literally tried to give him the best line up money could by as the team topped the MLB payroll list each season. 

The move to the new stadium in 2009 also helped boost those offensive numbers. Each of those years Yankee Stadium was in the top ten as a hitter's park under MLB Park Factors: 2009 (1st and World Series winner), 2010 (3rd), 2011 (4th), 2012 (8th) and 2013 (9th). In the five year span previous at the old stadium they were 2004 (27th), 2005 (1st), 2006 (13th), 2007 (6th) and 2008 (15th and Long's first year).

Long appears to be living the adage about if you can't do then teach or coach judging by his professional career as a player. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 31st round in 1989 Long spent eight seasons in the Royals minor system as a light hitting outfielder with a little speed. He spent those last six seasons bouncing back and forth between Double A and Triple A never reaching the Majors. His final season was in 1996 spent solely at Double A Wichita where he hit .273/.352/.378 with 3 HR, 48 RBI, 62 R, 9 SB in 128 games as a 29 year old player.

I'm certain Cano will do fine with the Mariners. The ball park will force his power numbers lower but he will anchor a young team. Cano could be the spark to ignite the careers on the cusp in the likes of Kyle Seager, Brad Miller, Mike Zunino and Dustin Ackley. Meanwhile back in New York the Yankees opened their checkbook to give Long Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury to juggle into the line up during the Jeter Farewell Tour.