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The New York Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman had a major decision to make when five-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano became a free agent after the 2013 season.
Cano had just turned 31 and wanted a contract of close to 10 years. The Yankees weren't willing to go that far. The Seattle Mariners were.
Allowing Cano to move on looks like the smart move after Cano was hit with an 80-game suspension Tuesday for violating MLB's drug policy.
Cashman said clubs do "the best we can'' in educating players about the potential pitfalls of taking something that might turn up as a banned substance, but "obviously the players have to take ownership as well'' of that process.
As for commenting directly on Cano, "it's not something I feel comfortable … given that he's a Seattle Mariner,'' Cashman said. "Obviously, Robbie was an impactful player here, he was always a great guy and we enjoyed our time with Robbie and the person he was when he was with us.
"It's probably best for me to leave it at that.''
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Cano ultimately signed with the Mariners for 10 years and $240 million.
Among Cano's best friends when he played for the Yankees were Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera — two players who later were suspended for violating MLB's PED policy.
Cashman said that if he were to have had any prior knowledge of potential PED use by Cano, "I would be compelled to tell'' MLB or risk a fine in excess of $1 million and jeopardize his job security.
"And I take that seriously,'' Cashman said, speaking in general terms. "Knowledge is one thing, suspicion is another.''
Caldera writes for the Bergen (N.J.) Record. He reported from Washington.
Follow Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner
