You’re back Robbie Cano, have a beer

Here’s to you Robinson Cano. To your sweet swing, smooth fielding, and that smile, oh that smile. It’s good to see you back to your regular self. You had us all pretty worried there for a while. But the lows of last year make your success this season all the more sweeter. Just look at how things have turned around for you:

You’ve already matched your home run total from last year and it’s only the All-Star break. You’re on pace to hit 38 (!) this year, easily a career high. But all those dingers haven’t detracted from the rest of your offensive game. If it weren’t for some kid down in Houston, you’d easily be the best second baseman in the American League.

As I watched you this week down in San Diego, I couldn’t help but notice how much fun you were having with your peers. We were all excited to see you try and recreate the magic from 2011 on Monday. But as fate would have it, you drew the home run king, Giancarlo Stanton. It must have been hard to follow his display in the first round but you did it with gusto. On Tuesday, you may have only seen one plate appearance and barely touched the ball in the field, but I noticed you. After Salvador Perez hit his two-run home run, you were the first out of the dugout to congratulate him. When David Ortiz was taken out of the game, you were the first player to embrace him.

Your wonderful antics and leadership aren’t limited to the national spotlight either. I see your celebrations with Cruz and Seager. I saw you take Ketel under your wing to show him the ropes last year and help him mature. But more than anything, you lead by example. An entire generation of kids is growing up in Seattle, watching you play. You’re their Griffey, their Edgar, their Ichiro. That’s a hefty responsibility, but I have no doubt you’re up to the task.

If the Mariners are going to make a run for the playoffs this year, you're going to be front and center. So have a beer Robbie, you deserve it.