ANAHEIM — Robinson Cano is just 31 years old, but he’s taken on a leadership role with his
young Mariners teammates like an old, wily veteran. Cano signed a 10-year, $240 million contract and is expected to produce both on the field and off it.
“I think he came out probably better than advertised as far as the quality of person and his desire to win and help young players on this team,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. “On a scale of one to 10, he’s probably been a 15 … 20.”
Cano said it’s a role that he’s comfortable with, having learned from a couple of his teammates while with the Yankees — Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
Cano, though, said he’s moved on, put his Yankees career behind him and is ready to help the Mariners contend in a division that has been dominated by the A’s, Rangers and Angels the past 12 years. The Mariners haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001.
In his first game as a Mariner, Cano went 2-for-4 with a walk in Seattle’s 10-3 victory over the Angels.