Opinion

The vast majority of rumors and speculation never amount to more than fodder for fans and pundits to debate, with only the tiniest percentage actually manifesting itself as an actual trade. That's not to say that there's no basis for these rumors—teams discuss potential trades all the time.

But some of the rumors out there are so mind-numbing that I choose not to include them in our weekly look at potential deals based on all the noise coming from the rumor mill. Take Robinson Cano, for example.

Opting out didn't surprise anybody. 

Not the Los Angeles Dodgers decision-makers, not the team's fans, not the media that covers the organization and entire industry, not the man’s teammates, and not rival teams.

Hey, you there. Unnamed general manager. Word is you're interested in a blockbuster trade for Jose Fernandez.

Well, good luck convincing the Miami Marlins to do it. But if you can...well, let's just say you have the right idea.

From the sound of things, you'd think Robinson Cano is the worst baseball player, the biggest whiner and the most despicable human being ever.

In reality, he's not that bad of a guy. Or that bad of a player, really.

But if ever there was a time to acknowledge the honeymoon phase of his 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners is over, it sure seems like now.

Managers love to talk about the flexibility of not having a full-time designated hitter. They can use the spot to give players rest, giving them in effect a half-day off. They can keep guys in the lineup when a minor injury may keep them from effectively playing in the field.

It's all true and it's all great, but there's a much better way to build an American League team:

Have a DH like David Ortiz.

That sound you just heard was another trade rumor whizzing past your ear like a high, tight four-seamer. Hey, there goes another one. And another.

It's that time of year. The World Series confetti has been swept from the streets of Kansas City; the awards have been awarded. And the hot stove is still crackling to life, spitting more sparks than flames.

So we amuse ourselves with rumors and speculation. What else can you do when staring down three long, frigid months of no baseball?

In Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Dave Roberts entered as a pinch runner in the bottom of the ninth inning and stole arguably the biggest base in Boston Red Sox history.

You know the rest of the story: Roberts scored the tying run, the Red Sox won in extras, overcame a 3-0 series deficit to vanquish the hated New York Yankees and ultimately busted the Curse of the Bambino.

The World Series ended three weeks ago. Ever since, it's been all quiet on the baseball front.

Unless, of course, you count all the hot stove chatter.

There's been no shortage of that, as we've reached the point where we have to worry about when the folks at MLB Trade Rumors last slept. The rumors and reports have been coming fast and furious enough to literally (and figuratively) spin your head.

It doesn't take a brilliant baseball mind to sign a free agent like Yoenis Cespedes, Zack Greinke or David Price. While the deals the most well-known commodities sign don't always pay off as hoped, it's not a difficult decision to sign a big-time slugger or shutdown ace.

The St. Louis Cardinals had many good things going for them in 2015, but power was not one of them. As such, you can't blame them for having eyes on the best power hitter money can buy.

We can, however, offer a few words of warning: Cardinals, my friends, here's where you need to tread very, very carefully.