Not knowing what one has until it's gone doesn't really apply here.

Robinson Cano, the Dominican slugger, played eight years for the team and Yankees fans and management were well aware of his talent. However, when Cano signed a $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners in 2013 for ten years, he was already 30 years old. The Yankees had offered him a shorter contract he turned down.

Hobbled by a gastrointestinal issue and a sports hernia last season, Cano was not named an All-Star and hit less than .300 (.287) for the first time since 2008. There was speculation his career was on a downhill slide. But this season, the second baseman named for Jackie Robinson has bounced back to play well.

Congratulations @RobinsonCano! With a torrid past seven days, he is your AL Player of the Week. #YesWeCano pic.twitter.com/mLmWiijxQu — Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 9, 2016

Cano currently leads the American League with 12 home runs and is averaging over .300 again. He still has some ties to the New York area, and his recent tweet of a hair care sponsorship deal from a New York company got some Yankees fans nostalgic for the days when Cano wore pinstripes.

Excited to announce my new partnership with @HueForEveryMan! They’re going to keep me looking sharp pic.twitter.com/vZF4PzgBAQ — Robinson Cano (@RobinsonCano) May 12, 2016

@RobinsonCano the Bronx misses you — Katlyn Scarberry (@KatlynS19) May 12, 2016

@RobinsonCano Yankees made a huge mistake letting you go. #GOLDGLOVE — Earl Gray Jr (@Ejr_sports24) May 12, 2016

No doubt some of the frustration stems from now much New York is struggling this season. While the Mariners lead the American League West division, the Yankees are dead last in the AL East.

Others weighed in on the direction the Yankees had taken instead of retaining Cano.

Letting Robinson Cano walk in favor of signing Jacoby Ellsbury doesn't look so good. — Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) May 11, 2016

Though he is playing well now, there are several years left on Cano's contract. Fans, for sure, will continue to debate the choices both the Yankees and the Mariners made on Cano.

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