Cano Starting To Stake His Claim

Robinson Cano has snapped out of his slump in a big way. For the New York Yankees, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Could this be the beginning of the resurgence of the Yankees offense? 

Let’s hope so. In his last ten games, Cano is batting .469 with four home runs and ten runs batted in. He has scored 11 runs, that is the kick start that the Yankees have been looking for. With Derek Jeter out, he is stepping up and playing like a leader.

For those who might think Cano is accomplishing this solely at the hands of the MinnesotaTwins-guess again. Sure, he is five for eight with three home runs against the Twins, but it really started before that.

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In three games versus the Baltimore Orioles, he was seven for thirteen with a home run. That’s big time numbers against a staff like that.  Everyone knows when Cano gets hot, he is fully capable of carrying the club. 

What is more important is that his outburst could prove contagious. Zoilo Almonte has followed Cano’s lead by bouncing back from his first mini-slump. Almonte has seven hits in his last twenty at bats. If Maris and Mantle were M&M, perhaps Cano and Almonte are the Dominican Duo. 

And look out! Vernon Wells is four of his last twelve. Now, that’s more like it! Okay, Overbay, Hafner, Stewart and Nix, it’s time to join the party. It’s the fourth of July, let’s see some fireworks.

Getting back to Cano, what is encouraging is that he is doing this even though teams are still trying to pitch around him. He has nine walks in the last tens games to go with his 15 hits. Plus, he has only three strike outs. So his plate coverage and focus have stimulated his success.

Is this a prelude to a memorable second half? That is entirely possible. Remember, he wants that big contract and this is the type of performance that can get it. Certainly, due to his tremendous career, Cano is going to get big money. But for how many years? That is what is still left to determine. Now is the time to begin staking his claim.