"Kevin Long sees some big home run numbers in Robinson Cano's future, even if the second baseman doesn't.

The Yankees' hitting coach believes Cano - who hit a career-high 29 home runs in 2010 - can reach the next level as a power hitter this season.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Cano hit 40 home runs," Long said. "He hit 29; could he hit 40? Why not? It's a big number - and not something that's a goal - but could he do it? I don't think there's anybody standing here that thinks he can't."

Asked if he thought he could go deep 40 times this season, Cano laughed and answered quickly.

"No chance; maybe if you put an extra half-season," Cano said. "To be honest, that's not in my mind. I don't think I'm a home run hitter; most of my home runs are line drives. I don't want that kind of thing in my mind. If I hit it, thank God, but it's not on my mind.""