HOUSTON — There should be no expectation that Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano will do to the rest of the American League what he’s done to the Astros over seven games this season, but for Seattle, his production signals a wondrous start to a season bubbling with promise.
Last season, Cano dragged through a sluggish first half, posting a .251/.290/.370 line with six home runs and 30 RBIs, numbers that had some bemoaning the 10-year, $240 million free-agent contract he signed prior to the previous season. Cano returned to form in the second half for the floundering Mariners, but there were plenty of eyes focused on him as he entered the third season of that monster contact.
After laying waste to Houston for a second series, Cano will enter the second week in May batting .305/.355/.633 with 12 homers and 33 RBIs. He’s already surpassed his power and production totals from the first half of 2015, and his seven-game stretch against Houston — .467 with five home runs and 17 RBIs — portends to something dominant.
“He’s pretty special,” Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager said. “He’s incredible. He’s incredible anyway and when he gets in a groove like this he’s unbelievable. There’s not too many people that can do what he’s doing.”
What Cano has been doing is carrying the Seattle offense with help from Seager, designated hitter Nelson Cruz, and right fielder Seth Smith. Following an offseason of upheaval that included personnel changes in the front office, field management and the 40-man roster, the Mariners reconfigured things to provide Cano with additional support. Yet, when it comes down to critical moments and series, Cano remains their focus.
“He uses the whole field,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “He’s not trying to hit homers, he’s not trying to kill the ball, he’s just using his hands. He’s got great talent, the ball jumps off the bat and he’s getting good pitches to hit. If you look at the at-bats he finds a way to get into good counts. He’s aggressive but he’s looking for his pitch.”