This sounds like the Washington Nationals owned Robinson Cano before. However, when looking at the Nationals' lineup, an argument could be raised that Cano would not fulfill a need, but will simply place the Nationals over the top and bring them back into World Series discussions. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post goes into detail defending his points, but here is the basic summary of why the Nationals should take advantage of a guy like Cano on the market.
NOW.
That is the Nationals' timetable to win. Remember when they poorly used Stephen Strasburg, decided to sit him out the rest of the 2012 season as the Nationals were in the playoffs? Many said the N.L. East was theirs for the taking and expected them to be in the mix the following season.
Wrong.
The Nationals were not in the playoffs and they struggled to stay in the division race. The Atlanta Braves ran with the East and the Nationals found themselves reminiscing about 2012. Poor decisions at the head of the organization probably held the Nationals back from winning a championship. Now, the Nationals have an expensive option available to redeem themselves.
Cano is one of a kind. The Yankees made a poor decision of taking a long time to resign the best second baseman in baseball today. He is seeking a lot money, but as Kilgore discusses, the Nationals' pockets are full and the team is hungry for success.
Think about that lineup for a second. It might seem vulnerable to left-handed pitching as Cano, Bryce Harper, Denard Span and Adam LaRoche would all stack up at the top of the lineup, but the argument could be made that the Nationals are "too" right-handed. Cano would bring balance, power and protection to guys like Harper and Ryan Zimmerman. Prolific home run hitters have not been found in Washington as the Nationals have depended on LaRoche and Zimmerman to provide the pop.
What to do with Danny Espinosa? Well, you can always trade him. In fact, one can argue that the Nationals slept on a possible trade. Many rumors focused on their possible acquisition of Max Scherzer. Now, the Detroit Tigers were apparently searching for a second baseman. The Nationals could have looked at Espinosa and youngster Anthony Rendon, who plays the infield, as trade bait in order to acquire a guy like Scherzer. That move would have left second base vacant and the Nationals could have wowed Cano and swept him out of the Bronx.
Realistically, the Nationals have more chances of winning a championship than the Yankees. They are young and have plenty of talent all around their team. Their bullpen is solid and their lineup is strong. Sure, Cano would be 40 when his deal is done, granted that somebody offers him a 10-year deal. However, he can hit now, play defense now and ultimately, he can help a team that is ready to win get a championship now.
