When Robinson Cano is going well, he often looks like the best pure hitter in the game. His ability to spray line drives all over the field with ease and with such a pretty swing makes him one of the most enjoyable players to watch. We’re no stranger to his hot streaks; coming down the stretch last season, Cano was on another planet – going 27-for-60 (.491) with three homers and 16 RBIs, pushing New York to the playoffs.
It appears as if we’re seeing one of those impressive stretches right now.
In his last 10 games, Cano is hitting a robust .452 with three homers and eight RBIs. Evidence that he’s seeing the ball well, he’s walked nine times and struck out only three. Cano has raised his average 17 points since June 21 – from .276 to .293. Not to be overlooked, the All-Star second baseman is also on pace for a career high in homers. As of now, he has 19 homers and 51 RBIs through 82 games. His career high is 33, which came in 2012 when he played in 161 games.
What’s even more impressive is the fact that when Cano is getting his pitch, he’s not missing it. Teams are coming into games saying “we can’t let Cano beat us.” Without any real protection in the lineup, Cano has to be extra selective with the pitches he swings at. Lately when he gets one he’s looking for, he’s hitting it with authority to all-fields.
Playing in his contract year, Cano came into 2013 with high hopes. After being named the World Baseball Classic MVP, many thought he was primed for an MVP-type regular season. As the Yankees struggled mightily in June, Cano’s averaged dipped into the .270’s and stayed there as much of the MVP talk subsided. Now, Cano has the chance to carry the “no-name Yankees” into the summer and into an intense pennant race. He has the chance to be the guy, the superstar for once on this team. We already know he’s going to get paid a lot of money in the offseason – but if he continues to carry this offense, he could drive his stock through the roof.
