What was Robinson Cano thinking?
I still haven't seen the final play of yesterday's Yankees-Angels play on which Robinson Cano didn't dive or make any attempt to knock the game-winning hit down.
I was listening on the radio at the time, and John Sterling made no mention of Cano's role in the play, at least not in his initial description. Once he said "Angels Win! The Angels Win!" I switched back to "The Cure" CD I was also listening to.
So I didn't know anything about Cano's latest half-hearted effort until I read Kat O'Brien's tremendous game story in today's Newsday.
We all know Cano sometimes doesn't go all out on defense, but in that situation? That's horrible. Kat mentions that Wilson Betemit didn't go after it either, but I'll give him a pass because he's not a natural first baseman.
But Cano . . . obviously, you don't give up on him or foolishly trade him. Some people would see this as Girardi's job to talk to him, but I also see it as Jeter's. The captain has to let Cano know that kind of B.S. is not acceptable on his team.
I wonder if Jeter has, or will.
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Comments (4)
I've always suspected Jeter is not the vocal leader that teams need, but of course I'm not in the clubhouse with them so I don't know for sure. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would give someone a kick in the rear when they need it and I think that is because he was always the young guy on the team and I remember how Joe Torre wasn't really on board with naming Jeter the captain of the team when George did it and maybe this is why.
I know Jeter likes to "lead by example" but there comes a time, and that time is now, that you have to grab a young guy by the ear and make him understand the message you are sending.
Trading Cano is a silly notion that should not even be thought about.
Anthony: I disagree with your title. Robinson Cano does not think. He dogs it at least half of the time. In the last series against the Angeles, I would love to know his times to firstbase off of the swing. I dare say he's breaking 4.5 seconds. There were two DP's that he hit into which were opportunities for the Yankees to continue or score runs. He waltzed down to first., the result was the DP. Girardi is the person in charge. Its his responsibility to teach Cano the right way.
Also, I disagree with your premise that he canbe a.350 hitter. He's lazy with a ton of talent that I will agree to.. To hit .350 than you need to leg out some of the rollers. This has been going on all year. His just doesn't bust out of the batters box like Jeter, Abreu, Damon, Arod. Those are pretty good examples of quality players going all out. He has his big contaract and the Yankees expected much from him but he fooled them. 25 years old is old enough to know right and wrong and when your are letting the team down.
Larry-
Halleluiah! I thought I was the only one who thought Cano dogs it down the line. I agree 110% with you. How is Girardi not addressing this? It is an utter disgrace that this guy doesn't bust it out of the box. And how does he not knock that ball down yesterday? If he knocks it down he might not have a play and the runner would hold up at 3rd. This team better wake up soon or they can start dusting their golf clubs for October.
I'd trade Cano in a heartbeat if it would bring in a serviceable starter? Maybe a straight up with the Mets (who could use a second baseman) for Ollie Perez or John Maine? This kid reminds me too much of Alfonso Soriano---without the power. Time to shed his big contract and bring in some pitching and defense without the 'tude.