16 Apr Getting to Know Robinson Cano
The New York Mets aquired this off season eight-time All-Star infielder Robinson Canó, 2018 Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year RHP Edwin Díaz and cash from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Jay Bruce, RHP Anthony Swarzak, RHP Gerson Bautista, minor league RHP Justin Dunn and minor league outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Canó, 36, is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner (2010, 2012) and a five-time Silver Slugger recipient (2006, 2010-2013). He ranks second in major league history in home runs among second basemen with 296. Jeff Kent is first with 351. Canó is one of three second basemen (career primary position) in MLB history to record 1,100 runs, 2,000 hits, 500 doubles, 300 homers and 1,200 RBI joining Rogers Hornsby and Kent. Canó batted .303 (94-310) with 22 doubles, 10 homers, 50 RBI, 44 runs scored and a .374 OBP in 80 games for the Mariners last year. The 6-0, 212-pounder hit .333 (36-108) vs. lefties, ranking third in the majors among left-handed batters (min. 100 PA). He played in 150 or more games 11 straight years from 2007-2017. He has twice led the American League in fielding percentage by a second baseman (.996 in 2010 and .996 in 2016). Canó has collected 769 extra-base hits since 2007, the second-most in the majors behind Miguel Cabrera (781). The San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic native is tied for 40th place with Lou Gehrig on MLB’s all-time doubles list with 534. He ranks in the top five among active players in hits (fourth), doubles (third), RBI (third) and runs (fifth). He has hit .304 (2,470-8,112) with 534 doubles, 33 triples, 311 homers, 1,233 RBI, 1,188 runs scored, a .355 OBP and a .493 slugging percentage in 2,078 games with the Yankees (2005-2013) and Mariners (2014-2018).
Name: Robinson José Canó Mercedes
Born: October 22, 1982 (age 36) in
San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
MLB Debut: May 3, 2005, for the New York Yankees
STATS: Batting average.304 Hits 2,470 Home runs 311 Runs batted in1,233
Salary: On December 6, 2013, Canó signed a 10- year, $240 million with the Mariners
Boyhood idol: Bernie Williams.
How are you feeling these days? Great. I feel like I’m 25. I want to go out and grind and feel like I’m competing for a job. I don’t take anything for granted.
Why do you love playing in New York? You get to play for the best fans in the world.
Why are they the best fans in the world? They’re all about passion and winning. They all want you to do good… When you got those fans and you don’t do good, then you hear them boo you or talking about you — that means they like you. And they want you to do your thing.
Who helped you out when you were a young ball player? My father was always my mentor. From when I was very young he always watched over me. He helped me both on and off the field. On the Yankees Jeter & A-Rod.
Walk us through your day during the off season. Wake up at 8am. Eat breakfast. 10am-2pm practice on the field. Eat lunch. Take a nap. 6-8 work out in the gym. Eat dinner. Drink a beer, hang out a little and go to sleep.
What do you like to do when you are not playing baseball? Shopping, listening to music and watching movies.
Any goals for this coming year? My goal is to get better every year.
How long do you think you can continue to play baseball? As long as I feel good, for me, I love to play this game. You know, as a young kid, I wanted to play in the big leagues, so as long as I have the opportunity to go out and play everyday, I would love to.