In a Fox News article filled with the typical inanities about Robinson Cano’s struggles in the clutch (he was coasting, too much success too fast, hangin’ with the Melk Man) comes a nice story about Alex Rodriguez mentoring Robbie:
So the question is: What (or who) has gotten into Cano’s head?
Surprisingly it appears to be A-Rod himself, who pulled the second baseman aside one day in late March and spoke candidly, if not brusquely, to his teammate.
“I told Robby he’s no kid anymore, he’s closer to 30 than 20,” Rodriguez said of the 27-year-old second baseman. “At this point in his career, with his talent, he should have one MVP (award), maybe two.
“The thing is, on any other team he would THE guy, but here, he’s surrounded by a lot of talent. I said, ‘Don’t let that hold you back. It’s time to go get it.’ We’ve all said the same thing to him. I think Robby gets that. I think Robbie’s finally maturing.”
Rodriguez backed up his words with a unique batting practice session at a remote field at the Yankees’ spring training complex. The scene, as depicted by the New York Post , had A-Rod barking out situations that had historically handcuffed Cano.
Second and third with one out. Bases loaded, game on the line. A-Rod not only helped Cano swing with more authority, but changed his internal monologue, as well.
“Have a plan with conviction,” Rodriguez said, recounting the session. “Look to do damage. Take your ‘A’ swing and drive the ball.”
I have no idea whether A-Rod’s guidance will help, I think it is way too early to assume that Cano has fixed his RISP issues, and I disagree with the assertion that Cano should have 2 MVP awards by now. The important part of this story is the fact that Alex has always been somewhat of a mentor to the younger Latino members of the club, and it is good to see him take a hands-on approach with a budding star. While much of a player’s talent is innate, there are technical and mental aspects of hitting that Alex can help a guy like Robbie with. It is gratifying to see that Alex is finally getting some recognition as a good teammate.
Cano – Melky = Top 5 Player Trev(Quote)
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Moshe Mandel Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I dont believe Melky was holding him back. If he has a big year, I’d think it is likely because he is turning 27, just entering his prime now. Moshe Mandel(Quote)
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BklynJt Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
If your talking about an increase in power, ie hit for 30+ hrs, that I can certainly attribute that to maturing physically as he is entering his prime age, but if we are talking about being more productive with RISP, it’s hard to believe that something just magically clicked when he turned 27. That’s not to say that a big year with RISP is because Melky is gone, but I do think a better mental approach can easily be attributed, at least partially, to any success he has in those situations, and more so than just magically turning 27.
I would probably feel different, if we were talking about a player like Melky (run of the mill platoon 4th outfielder) who had a huge year going into his prime ages, ie see Ben Zobrist.
Cano, on the other hand, has always showed that he has the innate ability to be a great batter, with everyone saying that he has the potential to win batting titles with his swing. He’s had a couple of great season previously, including last year, so it’s not like Cano was putting up mediocre to terrible numbers before his prime seasons. The only negative in his game, is his perceived lack of patience, and lack of success with RISP (last year), e.g., the subject in question.
By the way, it looks like Cano is showing more patience at the plate early this season. BklynJt(Quote)
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The Bif City of Dreams Reply:
April 12th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Cano at his apex is a .300 30 Hr 120 rbi gold glove 2nd basemen. The kid has so much talent and I think that he is finally realizing how great he can be. The Bif City of Dreams(Quote)
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This may seem a little far-fetched but, Cano = future A-rod of some sort? Simon(Quote)
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Ken (OR) Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Why not, he has the ability to be a star.
A-Rod is a much more rounded and instinctive player but, I could see him move to 3rd base, and bat 4th, at some point. Ken (OR)(Quote)
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Simon Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I meant as a home run hitter, I don’t think Cano will have the same home run power. In my eyes I see Cano as an RBI man and a hit machine, but they are the same in some aspects. Simon(Quote)
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Ken (OR) Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
True, I’ll buy that, he does lack power and the speed of A-Rod. He could be one of the stars for a long time. Ken (OR)(Quote)
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smurfy Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
His swing is smooth power, and the contact is pure. He sways into the ball, more than Arod, who establishes a more stable power base. Cano can be more flexible, and will probaly hit fewer homers but more doubles, and higher average. Sweet swing!
It is great to hear of Alex the strong teammate! smurfy(Quote)
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I was actually thinking while watching him bat yesterday that he looked just like A-Rod. He just sat there looking at pitches until he got one he was looking for. I watched him take two close fastballs to get himself into a 2-1 count after fouling off the first pitch and then just smoke a ball when he got something he liked. Last year Cano would have swung at both of those pitches and grounded out weakly to second. This isn’t the same Robbie thus far ibechip(Quote)
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In this day and age, with players often swapping teams many times in a career, I think players are less likely to ‘coach’ youngsters who they might be playing against in a year or 2. A great thing about the Yankees is that we hold on to our best players. Unless Robbie regresses terribly, he will probably be at 2nd base when ARod retires in 2017.
Knowing they will be together for another 7 years certainly motivates ARod to make Robbie and other players around him better. They might not hit 16 years ala Mo, Po and Jeter, But ARod and Robbie will probably be teammates for life.
This might be the best thing about being a Yankee fan. Our team is also a family. This is a luxury that few, if any other teams have. OldYanksFan(Quote)
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The Bif City of Dreams Reply:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:23 am
“Our team is also a family. This is a luxury that few, if any other teams have.”
I would say the best thing about this yankee team is that they are actually a team and not just a collection of players. The yankee FO has done a great job at putting this club together. It took them a while to find the right mix but it was worth the wait The Bif City of Dreams(Quote)
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