Kevin Long stood by his criticism of Robinson Cano’s lack of hustle on the basepaths Monday, but insisted that’s not the lasting image he has of the second baseman.
“I just said he loafed sometimes,” the Yankees hitting coach said after he reiterated his critique of Cano’s lack of effort when running out ground balls. “I’ve said 9,000 good things about him. He just had one issue.”
Apparently that was enough for Cano.
“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about it,’ ’’ the $240 million second baseman told The Post at Mariners camp after Long texted his former pupil to see if there were any problems between the two.
Cano’s new manager in Seattle, Lloyd McClendon, was not as forgiving.
“I was very disappointed,’’ the manager said of Long’s comments. “I’ve been in this game a long time, particularly at the major league level. And one thing I was taught was you worry about your players and getting them ready. I didn’t know [Long] was the spokesman for the New York Yankees.
“My concern is Robinson Cano in a Seattle Mariners uniform and what he does moving forward. I don’t give a damn what he did for the Yankees.”
McClendon said he had a simple request for Cano.
“My talk with Robbie was real simple,” McClendon said. “I expect all my players, including Robinson, to give me a fair effort down the line. I’m not too far removed from playing. I could remember the days when I hit a pop-up and I’m pissed off and you don’t run to first. Is that dogging it? I don’t think so.
“There’s a human element that comes with this game. You roll over, hit a ground ball to second base, your head drops, you’re a little disappointed. In the big scheme of things, would I rather have a guy out there for 160 games, hitting .300 and driving in over 100? I’ll take that.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also said he was “surprised” by Long’s criticism and insisted he did not echo it.
“I’ve been asked about Robbie,” Cashman said. “I’ve spoken to it. Robbie was an incredible Yankee. I never had an issue with Robbie. He played every day. He played practically every inning and he performed. It’s not an issue. I would expect Lloyd McClendon to step up for his player.”
Cashman added he had no plans to speak to Long, who also said he didn’t consider himself a “spokesman for the Yankees.”