PORT ST. LUCIE — The oldest non-pitcher in MLB is Nelson Cruz, who will flip 42 this summer season. Robinson Cano is third-oldest, a mere child at 39.
However ask the Mets second baseman in regards to the quantity, and he gives a shrug. Half-jokingly he mentions that perhaps Albert Pujols, who turned 42 in January, will signal someplace and transfer Cano to fourth amongst non-pitchers. Yadier Molina is three months older than Cano and occupies second place.
“Age doesn’t matter,” Cano stated after a exercise Saturday. “A man like Nelson, he’s been raking yearly. In the event you put together your self when you find yourself youthful, the best way I did with the Yankees, it's important to work onerous, by the point you get to 37, 38, 39 your physique goes to final. … I feel it’s extra individuals saying ‘previous, previous.’ ”
After lacking final season, following a second profession PED suspension, Cano should show he nonetheless belongs. Supervisor Buck Showalter has already stated Jeff McNeil will see nearly all of enjoying time at second base. If that plan sticks, Cano could be left as a backup and DH, and for the primary time in his profession as one thing lower than an on a regular basis participant.
It’s a actuality Cano has already begun to simply accept.
“It’s onerous, nevertheless it’s one thing that I can take care of,” Cano stated. “I'm simply going to be prepared day-after-day, regardless of the scenario is that they want me on the market I'm going to be able to contribute.”
Cano performed within the Dominican Republic over the winter, showing within the Caribbean Sequence. He noticed sufficient positives to consider he’s able to serving to a Mets lineup that struggled scoring runs final season.
In pandemic-shortened 2020, he was among the many Mets’ greatest offensive performers, with a .316/.352/.544 slash line, 10 homers and 30 RBIs in 49 video games. It got here after a disappointing first season with the Mets, following his arrival from the Mariners in a deal that exported high prospect Jarred Kelenic.
Within the clubhouse, Cano seems to have regained his function as a revered elder statesman to whom youthful gamers gravitate. On Saturday, he held court docket within the clubhouse for Edwin Diaz and Taijuan Walker, amongst others.
“They've proven me the love immediately, and I’m at all times right here and prepared to assist if anybody wants recommendation or something, I’m right here for them,” Cano stated. “I’m the identical man as once I left. Serving to the group any approach and any find out how to win a sport.”
Showalter is Cano’s third supervisor (fourth, when you embrace Carlos Beltran, who departed the group with out managing a sport). Cano sees a match that is sensible with the skilled Showalter.
“I feel the group could be nice, not good, I'd say nice,” Cano stated. “Particularly now we have received a man like Buck, taking note of all of the little particulars. A man who is aware of the sport and he can drive this boat actually good.”
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