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.
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