Mariners Analysis: Recapping the M’s Opening Series of the Year

Apr 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) celebrates a two run home run with right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) celebrates a two run home run with right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) at bat in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) at bat in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The ‘Cano Show’ earns high reviews from the critics

Robinson Cano took a lot of heat from fans last season, and rightfully so. The 33-year-old posted a measly .238/.277/.344 slash line with 4 home runs and 24 RBI through the first 74 games last year. Cano turned things around in a big way during the second half, but there were still plenty of pundits skeptical of his ability to produce in the future.

What we didn’t know last season was that Robbie was dealing with a pair of sports hernias, which likely played a significant role is his poor start. He is 100% healthy right now, and he has been the M’s most valuable player through the first three games.

The superstar second baseman is hitting .308 with 4 home runs and 7 RBI across his first 13 at bats. His 4 home runs and 7 RBI rank first and second in the American League. What gets me most excited is the fact that Cano has taken 71 less games to reach the four home run threshold this year as compared to 2015.

Texas is a very hitter friendly environment, and it will be interesting to see whether Cano’s new found power will translate to the Pacific Northwest this weekend against the visiting A’s. If he can keep it rolling, the Mariners will be tough to slow down in 2016.

Next: The King was less than Royal in debut