Possible Cano Suitors

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano’s name comes up often in MLBTR chats and comment threads.  Ken Rosenthal confirmed multiple clubs have expressed interest in Cano, and the Yankees will probably seek starting pitching in return (though a center fielder could also make sense).  Cano won’t necessarily be traded, but let’s discuss some possible suitors.

• Orioles: If they move Brian Roberts, whether to the Yankees or another team. But the Orioles don’t have starting pitching to trade for Cano.
• White Sox: Cano is signed through 2011, and top ’08 draft pick Gordon Beckham should be ready before then (with Alexei Ramirez perhaps moving to short).  Still, GM Kenny Williams is unpredictable.
• Indians: They have a vacancy at second, but wouldn’t trade Fausto Carmona or Cliff Lee for Cano.
• Tigers: With Placido Polanco signed through ’09, Cano could be a longer-term solution.  Like most teams, the Tigers do not have good starting pitching to spare.
• Mets: Many believe the Mets intend to replace Luis Castillo this winter.  But they can’t give up Mike Pelfrey for Cano.
• Brewers: If Rickie Weeks doesn’t get another shot, the Brewers might have the need.  But again, what starter would they move?
• Pirates: They might move Freddy Sanchez this winter.  I could almost see Ian Snell being floated for Cano, but not Paul Maholm or Nate McLouth.
• Cardinals: Adam Kennedy wants out, though Felipe Lopez may be re-signed.  I don’t really see a match with Cano.
• Dodgers: The Cano for Matt Kemp rumor is popular, mostly with Yankees fans.  But who would replace Kemp? Why would Ned Colletti trade his center fielder for a second baseman?  Blake DeWitt seems capable.
• Giants: They have viable second base candidates in-house.  I suppose it’s possible Jonathan Sanchez could be pried loose.
• Rockies: The Rockies seem likely to go with Clint Barmes at second, and are in the market for starting pitching.  Cano wouldn’t be the right return in a Matt Holliday deal.
• Diamondbacks: Second base is a question mark with Hudson eligible for free agency.  The D’Backs could spare Eric Byrnes, but Cano is obviously more valuable.
• Twins: Aaron Gleeman mentioned to me that the Twins could move Alexi Casilla to short and pursue Cano.  He added that Cano’s name came up in the Johan Santana talks.  Good points, and the Twins do have a wealth of young starting pitching.