LAS VEGAS (AP) Half a loaf is better than none for New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway when it comes to Robinson Cano.

New York's new second baseman has been criticized at times for not running hard to first base when he hits infield grounders. Callaway says the 36-year-old is just protecting his body in a way that makes sense.

"I think Robbie deserves the leeway on that," Callaway said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "And the reason is not because he got out, he's frustrated, that's not the reason he does that. He does it so he can play 155 games, which he's done every year. He's smart. He knows the game. You're not going to see him hit a ball and loaf when there's a chance for it to be a hit. He understands when that ball leaves that fielder's hand, destiny is going to happen. And so he knows how to do that part of it."