Hello Cano: Mariners sign all-star 2nd baseman

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners announced they reached a deal with five-time all-star second baseman Robinson Cano.

Cano signed a 10-year, $240 million contract. Cano, 31, comes to Seattle from the New York Yankees where he's played for the last nine seasons. He's established himself as one of the best overall players in the league, earning five Slugger Awards and two Gold Gloves.

"I am really happy to be here in Seattle and look forward to helping the Mariners organization win a championship and bring a World Series trophy to the Pacific Northwest," Cano said.

Last season, Cano batted .314 with 27 home runs and 107 RBI in 160 games with the Yankees.

The Mariners to introduced Cano at 3 p.m. Thursday, where he walked out to his Manager Jay-Z's music.

Cano spoke highly of Seattle and mentioned how he has batted well in the park previously. Now, he's excited to feel at home in Safeco Field.

"This is my home," Cano said. "After my the Dominican, this is now my second home."



Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik said he was happy to have the deal -- which had been rumored to be coming for weeks -- finally inked.

"I'm happy, I'm happy," Zduriencik said. "He's going to make everyone better."

Cano said the enormity of his contract -- which some had called too high and long for a 31-year-old player like Cano -- did not often cross his mind.

"It's not about that," Cano said. "It's about spring training."

New Seattle Mariners Lloyd McClendon said he was excited to have Cano on the team, and that having such a great player would make him "smarter" in the long run.

Jay-Z's, Cano's manager, stayed largely out of the limelight in the Cano signing, except with a few well-placed comments from Zduriencik.

"I told him I was Jay-Z before he was Jay-Z," Zduriencik said, laughing.