Cano to Bat Fifth, Protect A-Rod

Robinson Cano has been tapped to replace Hideki Matsui as the Yankees number five hitter. While many question whether the often less-than-selective Cano is the right fit for the five spot, considering the frequent RBI opportunities as well as the need to protect A-Rod in the line-up, many in the Yankees organization feel they had no choice.

"Cano took the Melky trade really hard," explained Yankees GM Brian Cashman. "Did you hear the song he was going to play during his at-bats? Something needed to be done. He wouldn't even drink his milk anymore. He was all, 'what's the point,' and we needed to find a way to pep him up."

Many are questioning whether this is the right move, however, since it will undoubtedly affect the Yankees' offense in a profound way.

"I know he needed to be cheered up, but maybe some ice cream or something," said one player, who preferred to remain anonymous. "I mean, he's struggled with being consistent and selective, how will he protect me in the line-up?"

Others, however, felt that this was the right time to promote Cano to the middle of the order.

"He used to have this bet with Melky that he could drive in 100 runs in a season with his eyes closed," explained Mick Kelleher, the Yankees first-base coach. "He'd get up with runners in scoring position, close his eyes, and just swing away. I was always like, 'WTF?' But now with Melky gone, I think he'll feel less of a need to drive in all his runs with his eyes closed, which should raise his average a bit."

Only time will tell whether this is the right move for the 27 year old second baseman. But for now, the Yankees may be taking a bit of a gamble.