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Good morning afternoon, Athletics Nation!
The words “tested positive” have taken on a whole new meaning in 2020, with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The phrase has represented a huge obstacle for sports teams, and more importantly a matter of life and death for millions of Americans.
But before this year, the words had a different connotation in the baseball world, and on Wednesday we got a reminder of those old days. New York Mets star second baseman Robinson Cano tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN.
This is the second PED suspension for Cano, who also got popped in 2018 and sat out 80 games as a result. A second offense carries an even harsher penalty of 162 games, meaning Cano will miss the entire 2021 season. He will also forfeit his salary, which would have been $24 million, though the last two years of his contract will remain intact for 2022-23. More details at MLB’s site.
Looking forward, the Mets now have a big hole to fill at 2B, after Cano put up a strong 2020 campaign at age 37. But they also have another huge chunk of money to spend, in addition to whatever new team owner Steve Cohen may have been planning to use to make a statement about his desire to win.
All of that means that this news affects the Oakland A’s. They are (hopefully? please?) in the market for a free agent second baseman, and now there is another potentially wealthy team unexpectedly added to the mix of fellow suitors — demand has risen but without an increase in supply. It’s also possible the Mets could replace Cano from within, but you’d have to think they’ll at least test the market while they decide.
With Robinson Cano gone, it’s perfect time for Mets’ new ownership/management to consider retiring 24, which Willie Mays wore his final two years with Mets — Hank Aaron played his final two years with Brewers, and the Brewers retired his 44. Cano never should’ve been given 24.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) November 18, 2020
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It’s been a long time since we’ve heard Forst’s name in a rumor, as he’s always been considered untouchable
It sounds as if David Forst is a target for the Mets, not surprising considering he's worked with Sandy Alderson the past two years. Forst always has turned down every opportunity elsewhere, but I wonder if this one might intrigue him, especially with A's dim financial picture.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 17, 2020
New players! I still haven’t written up posts for the last round of signings ...
In addition to Kozma, the A's have signed 1B Frank Schwindel to an MiLB deal. He should hit a lot of HRs in Vegas. They also added RH RP Cristian Alvarado. Alvarado joins Matt Blackham, Montana DuRapau and Argenis Angulo as relievers brought in on MiLB deals. https://t.co/AOkjG4I1Hn
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) November 18, 2020
Legend
Alyssa Nakken’s historic jersey now on display in @baseballhall @SFGiants #alyssanakkenhttps://t.co/v0SCYVAmao pic.twitter.com/S19ZawpIX7
— Bill Francis (@billfrancis607) November 18, 2020
Can’t wait to see this guy in Oakland someday soon
Triple for Barrera. This is my shocked face. https://t.co/HBZkT5y1Mn
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) November 18, 2020
STOP TEASING US
Cardinals QB and former Oakland A’s first round pick Kyler Murray hasn’t given up hope on playing baseball again:
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) November 17, 2020
“I miss baseball, for sure...For me, I wish I could do both. I definitely feel like I could. I never say never.”
(via @TikiAndTierney) pic.twitter.com/2lkyn8yKar
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