NEW YORK WILL ALWAYS BE HOME TO CANO

At the end of the 2013 season, Yankees fans waited patiently while the New York Yankees worked out a contract with Robinson Cano. Our All-Star second baseman, and arguably the best second baseman in the league. It seemed like a no-brainer to us. Cano would be back in pinstripes. Many even said that he was easily the best candidate to assume the role of Captain once Derek Jeter retired. But then, he wasn't.

Instead of resigning with the Yankees, Brian Cashman was adamant about not doling out big contracts, and we watched as Cano went off to Seattle for a $240 million/10-year contract. The absurdity of long-term contracts has not been forgotten by us. So while we would have loved to have had him stay, many of us happily bid him farewell.

That was two years ago. And it seems now that Cano is unhappy in Seattle. According to reports, Cano would love to return to the Bronx. Okay, to be fair, reports are saying New York, and most of us are assuming the Yankees. But that is neither here nor there.

In June Casey wrote "DUMB & LONELY IN SEATTLE." In it, he hit the nail right on the head.

"Seattle had a plan, to "bring a championship" to Seattle. A Championship? Really? Cano's no Ken Griffey Jr. Let's get that straight. 1 man does not a championship make... and Cano is notthat franchise player. He wasn't in New York and he sure as hell isn't out West. I have to laugh because if he wanted to be "top dog," he could have been in New York. All he needed to do was sign a modest contract, stick around till Jeter retired and he'd be the guy. We all saw that... not Cano though,"

We all saw that Cano could be the face of a franchise. Our Yankees Franchise. Instead, he chased the money and the bad advice of Jay-Z and the Agents he hired. And it didn't take long for him to get to Seattle for it to become obvious that there was some regret there.

It's all speculation, I get it. The 'sources' can squawk about Cano missing New York all they'd like. And it isn't the first time that these rumors have been going around. There have been reports about his unhappiness for some time. But if it is true, it proves what we knew all along. The move to Seattle was a mistake, and so was that long term contract. The truth is, Yankees fans still love him. Had he stayed here, he would have easily been the new face of the franchise. All he had to do was swallow his pride a little, and take a more modest contract. Choose character over cash.

Still, if there is some way for the Yankees to bring back Cano, Yankees fans would welcome him back with open arms. He'd be the prodigal son. The Yankees could use an everyday second baseman, and Cano is arguably the best, despite hitting .287 last season, instead of his normal over .300. The problem, of course, is finding the means to justify picking up the large amount still left on his contract. Look, I'll be the first to admit that I want to see Cano back in the Bronx. I simply cannot wrap my mind around his contract.

I don't know how much truth is behind the rumors, but I'm inclined to believe them. There was something about the way the deal was made, and something in Cano's body language on the field. If it's true, we knew it would happen. Cano went to Seattle to be a star, to lead a team. All things he could have had in New York with the Yankees. In Seattle he's been a flash in the pan, if that much. In New York he could've been the face of one of the biggest sports franchises.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 

Twitter: @e_morales1804

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!