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Young Mariners have enthusiastic leader in Cano
- Updated: August 11, 2016
SEATTLE — With one on and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Robinson Cano trotted to the mound to tell Edwin Diaz to relax. It wasn’t the first time he had done so, but the stakes were higher on Aug. 2, in Diaz’s first game as closer.
“Sometimes he jokes with me,” Diaz said. “One time he came and told me, ‘Hey, if you don’t want to pitch, give me the ball. I’ll pitch for you.'”
On that crucial Tuesday night, it was all words of encouragement. After Cano jogged back to his spot at second, Diaz struck out the next two batters to end the game and earn his first save.
That’s how Cano, 33, elevates young talent. With his easygoing playing style, big smile and desire to teach, the veteran second baseman has been especially effective mentoring young Spanish-speaking Major Leaguers such as Diaz and shortstop Ketel Marte.
The Yankees brought Cano up to the Majors in 2005, when the team was stacked. He started among players such as Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Bernie Williams, Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi. Cano finished …
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