Mariners’ struggling Cano has been in similiar situation

TORONTO — What’s wrong with Robinson Cano?

That question grows louder each day as the Seattle Mariners’ perennial All-Star second baseman continues to scuffle through a season that has now passed the one-quarter mark.

Cano is batting just .253 after going 0-for-3 with a walk in Saturday’s 3-2 victory the Blue Jays. He also has only one homer and 11 RBI through 42 games. That puts him on pace to finish with four and 42.

“You’re trying to figure it out every single day,” he said. “You keep the same energy. I get here (to the ballpark) and do the same thing every single day. And I know one day, things are going to change around.

“The last thing I want to do is hang my head and change my attitude. I will never do that. I will keep being the same guy. Always root for the guys and try to do my job when I get to the plate.”

Here’s the thing … Cano has been here before.

Only worse.

“In 2008,” he recalled. “I think in the first half, I hit like .200. It was something really low. I think that was the first year of my (multi-year) contract with the Yankees.”

Cano didn’t get above .200 for good that season until May 14. As late as June 13, 67 games into the season, he was batting .217 with a mere four homers and 20 RBI.

Then the typical Cano returned. He batted .311 over his final 92 games with 10 homers and 52 RBI. Even so, he’s not simply assuming it will happen again this year.

“Of course I’m concerned,” he said, “but I understand I’ve been in this situation before. Sometimes you go through these situations, and it makes you a better player and a better person.

“Right now, there’s nothing more I can do. I’ve been doing my work, and I’m going to be working out through the last day.”

When frustration peaks, Cano called his father — his hitting coach — in the Dominican Republic.

“We talk about the game,” he said. “But I don’t want to put too much on my dad. I don’t want to be over-thinking. Like (Friday), I was feeling good at the plate (and went 0-for-4).

“There were some balls that were right there, and I missed them. That’s part of the game. It’s going to happen. … Hopefully, things turn around quick.”

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