When Robinson Cano gets on one of his streaks, very rarely will you see a better ballplayer. After being the guy in the lineup for most of the season, Cano finally has reinforcements around him – and he is flourishing.
In Yesterday’s doubleheader, Cano went a combined 6-for-8 with a homer and 5 RBI. Game one was special for the all-star second baseman, as he went 4-for-4 while connecting on his 200th career round-tripper. He became the 16th player in a Yankee uniform to hit 200 homers, and is now just two away from tying Bill Dickey for 15th on the all-time Yankee list.
Yesterday was a microcosm of how Cano has been hitting lately, spraying baseballs all over the field with authority. His success might have something to do with the presence of Alfonso Soriano and Alex Rodriguez, two sluggers who provide great protection in the lineup. Since August 9 when the Yankees really started to turn things around, Cano is hitting an even .500 (23-for-46) .566 OBP, with a homer and 10 RBI, while striking out just three times in 53 plate appearances.
In 15 games before Rodriguez returned, Cano was hitting .196 (11-for-56). In 15 games after, he’s hitting .456. Since August 5, Cano has seen his average go from .288 to .308. This success also has to do with Soriano’s unconscious run last week when he drove in 18 RBI in four games. Pitchers are now forced to throw to Cano, or else face A-Rod or Sori with bases occupied. Earlier in the season with the likes of Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay surrounding him, Cano was getting pitched to very carefully.
The Yankees have won nine of their last 12 games and find themselves 6.5 games out of the division and wild card races. If Curtis Granderson can get hot along with A-Rod, Cano and Sori, the rest of the division needs to watch out.
