Well, the Seattle Mariners have brought in a big-name free agent, in case you didn’t hear. Perennial All Star second baseman Robinson Cano signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Pacific Northwest club on Friday, shocking most and delighting M’s fans everywhere.
Soon-to-be first ballot Hall of Famer – at least he should be — and former Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. discussed the signing with Seattle Times’ M’s beat writer Ryan Divish, and thinks the signing of Cano will bring nothing but positives for the organization moving forward.
"“I think he’s going to be good for the organization,” Griffey said in a phone interview. “Any time you get that type of player, it’s going to be a good thing.” [Seattle Times]"
Griffey hopes this free agent coup will encourage others to follow Cano’s lead to the Emerald City.
"“It can happen,” Griffey said. “I hope it does. We’ve struggled as a whole getting people to come there. Hopefully, this is an eye-opener to get guys to come here in their prime and start changing the way things have been.” [Seattle Times]"
‘The Kid’ himself left Seattle after a trade in February of 2000 but did return to retire a Mariner in 2009-10. I doubt anyone could ever be as popular as Griffey in Seattle, and rightfully so. To have his blessing is nothing but a positive moving forward for the long-struggling organization.