Are Big Numbers on Tap?

After exploding for three home runs in Sunday's Cactus League game, Robinson Cano made it four in two days with a shot that cleared the batter's eye in center field during Monday's game. Could this be a hint that the Mariners 2nd baseman is ready to break out and dominate the way he once did as a Yankee?
Cano's first two Seattle seasons could best be called disappointing. 2015 ended with him preparing for hernia surgery. Now 33, with eight years remaining on his 10-year, $240-million deal, 2016 could be the last chance for Cano to return to being considered among the game's elite. As a Yankee -- surrounded by other strong hitters such as Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter -- Cano excelled and had plenty of help. It hasn't been as easy in Seattle. 
A less hitter-friendly ballpark, and a weaker supporting cast a mountain of doubt on the wisdom of luring Cano to Safeco Park. Now with a new manager in Scott Servais and a GM in Jerry DiPoto, the Mariners have rebooted. There are new teammates surrounding him. But will Cano be ready to be the leader, the standout, the difference maker? There's a lot of pressure on him to deliver -- especially in a division with Texas and Houston coming off playoff appearances last fall, and the Angels always in the conversation.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

If Your Birthday is January 3rd...

Wayback: 70 Years Ago Today

If Your Birthday is September 5th...