Robinson Cano on Twins' Sano: 'I can't wait to see him in the big leagues'

For the last several years, Robinson Cano has served as a mentor to Minnesota Twins prospect Miguel Sano, both of whom hail from San Pedro de Macoris, and Seattle's newest superstar is among those most anxious to see the injured 21-year-old make his major-league debut.

Sano, however, underwent Tommy John surgery in March to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, an injury that will sideline him for the entire 2014 campaign.

“That’s good news he’s been cleared to throw,” Cano told Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Hopefully, for now, everything goes well. I’m nothing but happy for him because I can’t wait to see him in the big leagues.”

Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240-million deal with the Mariners this offseason, actually consoled Sano after his procedure.

“I just said, ‘God knows why things happen. Things happen for a reason. Maybe this would have been a bad year hitting or some other way.’” Cano said. “Sometimes we say, Why me? But you have to be satisfied you’re still alive and still in baseball. How many people do you see born with no legs, no arms, not even able to enjoy their life?”

Sano's prodigious power has evoked lofty praise over the last several years, as the 6-foot-4 third baseman blasted 35 home runs with a .992 OPS in 123 games between Hi-A and Double-A last season.

“We all know he’s one of the top prospects in this game,” Cano said of Sano. “I know him. He’s got power the other way. How many players can (swing) so easily and have no problem to go the other way?”