Yankees' Derek Jeter greets Mariners' Robinson Cano, rubs his beard (GIF)

Apr 29, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano speaks at a press conference before the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

For the first time this season, the Seattle Mariners traveled across the country to take on the New York Yankees.

That means former Yankees’ second-baseman Robinson Cano will be entering Yankee Stadium as an opponent for the first time in his career.

Cano started with the Yankees in the big leagues in 2005 and was very good from the start, batting .297 with 14 home runs. By 2009, when he hit .320, posted an on-base percentage of .352 and slugged .520 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI, he was was a full-fledged superstar.

In the offseason, Cano left the Yankees to sign a giant, 10-year, $240 million deal with the Mariners, passing on the seven-year, $175 million contract the Yankees reportedly offered.

Cano was hoping for a positive reaction upon his return.

“Hopefully good,” Cano said, when asked how he expects to be treated in New York via Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. “The way that I left New York, it wasn’t a good way. You just go there to play the game and beat them.”

Cano, who is batting .298 with one home run this season, met with Yankee captain Derek Jeter before the game Tuesday night and rubbed Cano’s beard.

GIF: Derek Jeter greets Robinson Cano, has clear case of bear... on Twitpic /

Thanks to @cjzero for the GIF.

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Yankees’ Derek Jeter greets Mariners’ Robinson Cano, rubs his beard (GIF)

By Andrew Melnick | Apr 29, 2014