Robinson Cano: Mariners 'need an extra bat'

Robinson Cano, a five-time All Star, is a career .309 hitter. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

After spending nine years in the Yankees' lineup, Robinson Cano is still adjusting to a new offense as a member of the Mariners. Though spring training just began, Cano has some suggestions for upgrades.

Seattle's new $240 million second baseman thinks the team needs to acquire another hitter, preferably a right-handed one.

"I'm not going to lie. We need an extra bat, especially a right-handed bat," Cano told CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman on Sunday. "We have many left-handed hitters. We need at least one more righty. You don't want to face a lefty pitcher with a lineup of seven left-handed hitters."

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Cano suggested re-signing switch hitter Kendrys Morales, who hit 23 homers for the Mariners last season.

"He's a switch hitter who's got power," said Cano, who also advocated the signing of starter Ervin Santana.

Two sources suggested to Heyman the Mariners "have little or no loot left to spend," which general manager Jack Zduriencik wouldn't confirm.

The Mariners had an MLB-worst .657 OPS against left-handed pitchers last year, according to Heyman.

"We are a little lefthanded, and we know it," Zduriencik said.

Seattle added Cano and lefty Logan Morrison to a lineup that already includes lefties Kyle Seager, Dustin Ackley, Michael Saunders and Brad Miller.

Cano is a career .290 hitter against lefties with a .790 OPS.

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