NEVER EVER: Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano yesterday denied using performance enhancing drugs or visiting Biogenesis, the Miami clinic being investigated by Major League Baseball. (Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post)
TAMPA — Robinson Cano denies ever using performance enhancing drugs or visiting Biogenesis, the shuttered anti-aging clinic in Miami which close friends Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera have been linked to.
Asked at the end of yesterday’s press conference at George M. Steinbrenner Field if he ever used PEDs or was in any way linked to Biogenesis, Cano skipped the first part and answered the second.
“The first time I heard [about Biogenesis] was when the thing came out,’’ Cano said of the Miami New Times story that reported Rodriguez and Cabrera were linked to the clinic MLB is investigating.
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Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun have admitted visiting Biogenesis but say they didn’t purchase PEDs.
Since Cano didn’t directly answer the first part of the question three reporters waited outside the facility and followed him toward the players’ parking lot.
Asked if he ever used PEDs or if he ever visited Biogenesis, Cano answered “No’’ to each question.
Since Cano is close to Rodriguez and Cabrera, some believe he is guilty by association. And last summer a North Carolina television station incorrectly reported Cano had tested positive for PEDs. The reporter later apologized.
“It doesn’t matter who you are hanging out [with],’’ Cano said. “Everybody has their personal lives and they do what they want. Like I say, through the good and the bad times they are always going to be my friends.’’
Until Rodriguez speaks about the issue, Derek Jeter isn’t going to comment. Cano also declined to talk about Rodriguez and Cabrera and any relationship they had with Biogenesis.
“I don’t have any reaction and I will say that it is a personal matter and let them handle it,’’ Cano said.
Outside of the two questions about PEDs and his buddies, Cano was smothered by questions concerning his impending free agency. No matter how the question was presented, Cano said he wasn’t focusing beyond this season and wanting to help the Yankees win a championship.
When it’s over he will be a free agent represented by Scott Boras.
Many believe Boras, who started representing the 30-year-old Cano two years ago, will seek Prince Fielder money. Fielder, 29, signed a nine-year deal for $214 million prior to the 2012 season.
Recently, owner Hal Steinbrenner said there have been some talks with Cano’s camp, but Boras’ reputation is that when his clients are this close to free agency they don’t forfeit that right by signing extensions.
“I want to see what happens during spring training and through the season,’’ Cano said. “I will just let my agent discuss it with the Yankees.’’
After Cano batted .313 with 33 homers and 94 RBIs during the regular season he hit a woeful .075 (3-for-40) in nine postseason games.
“I really don’t know what happened. The whole team struggled,’’ Cano said. “Maybe I was chasing too many pitches and not swinging at strikes.’’
Cano will leave the Yankees in March to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Since he is the Yankees’ best hitter and one they can least afford to lose via injury and he is in the final year of a contract, Cano could have declined to participate in the WBC.
“It’s more about your country. I love the Dominican and grew up in the Dominican,’’ Cano said. “Why not go and represent my country?”