I don't think that's true. Especially at catcher. Robinson Cano is NOT a player that I can see hoisting a team on his back and carrying it. He's probably the best overall 2B in MLB, but "serviceable" 2B are relatively easy to come by. "Serviceable" catchers are not NEARLY as easy to find. Over half the teams in MLB struggle to get even average production out of their catchers offensively and more than half of those fifteen guys are below or FAR below average when it comes to defense, throwing arm and handling a staff. Those that are above average defensively are, for the most part, terrible at the stick. McCann has a lousy arm, but is an EXCELLENT handler of pitchers who you can pretty much pen in for .250/.350 with 20 homers in 120 games. That is worth an assload in comparison to other catchers across the board. The difference is what McCann will do to improve Yankee pitching and the leadership he will provide in the clubhouse. THAT will NOT show up in ANY sabermetric stat OR in any box score. And the guy is the closest thing NY has seen to Thurman Munson since the man hit the ground in his plane. You cannot "measure intangibles" with stats. McCann is "Mr. Intangible." Cano is FAR from Miggy Cabrera and Mike Trout. Sure, he's a great player, but I don't think a 25 homer, .300/.370, average defensive 2B is even close to being the kind of difference maker of Cabby or Trout. Thus I don't think replacing him as a Yank-Me will have as much effect on that team as will adding McCann, Ellsbury, and now, Beltran, will. NY is VERY much better now, and letting Cano walk was the key to the whole thing.
12/7/2013 1:00 AM (edited)