The Potential of Robinson Cano

[Bub]

Perhaps the best thing to happen to this team this year was the addition of Cano. At 22 years of age, he put up startling numbers: a .297 average (.320 OBP) and a .458 slugging ptc. He had 52 extra base hits, more than Jeter, Posada and Giambi. Although he made 17 errors, he also made some remarkable plays throughout the season, and finished 2nd in qualified second baseman in the A.L. in range factor (RF). He turns the DP well and has a great arm. To cap it off, he did a good job in the playoffs for a rookie, hitting .263 with a .421 SLG and 5 RBIs, and began to take some pitches that he was chasing during the regular season. He will probably never have the power and certainly not the speed of Soriano, but I think he's a smarter player and will not be handled easily by the top pitchers in playoff games the way Soriano was.

Which brings us to his future. I think he'll adjust a bit at the plate and be more selective, which will drive up his walk total and OBP. His fielding will improve as well as his power, and by the time he reaches his peak years 4 or 5 years from now he could be a top star in the league. Also, a good-hitting lefty second baseman is a rare commodity. What fun it would be to have someone like Cano appear on the team every year to watch mature from a 22 year-old kid into a solid major leaguer, similar to the way we watched Jeter grow here. Personally, it's much more fun than the instant gratification of a star free agent.

[Sundae]

I love having young players on the team. This guy and Wang made my year.

[Tal Hawkins]

Personally, it's much more fun than the instant gratification of a star free agent.

Ditto. I'm really looking forward to watching Cano develop over the next few years into a great 2nd baseman...he's going to be solid for many years to come.

began to take some pitches that he was chasing during the regular season.

He definitely played well in the postseason, but it looked to me like he was still chasing some bad pitches...especially on those 2 strikeouts Monday night.

[NelsonMuntz]

I really like this kid a lot. Hopefully he can learn to be a little more selective at the plate. Defensively I think he'll be fine. For me, the emergence of Cano was one of the highlights of the season. Thank you Miguel Cairo's agent for overestimating the market for your client, and thank you Tony Womack for sucking.

[EdRuane]

He definitely played well in the postseason, but it looked to me like he was still chasing some bad pitches...especially on those 2 strikeouts Monday night.

I think he started pressing. Early in the series, he seemed very relaxed and poised for a rookie in his first postseason game. As the series progressed, though, I think it started getting to him and he tried to do more than he was capable of. He looked pretty bad on those two strikeouts. Both balls were in the dirt.

(Unfortunately, he should've been on first after one of them, but I believe that's for another thread to discuss.)

[b_joseph]

Cano's potential enables me to finally forget about Soriano.

I did not think that would happen.

[noneckwilliams]

cano has untapped opposite field power. if he learns to take the ball the other way on a regular basis he can hit .320. i'm not sure he'll ever be a high obp guy but if he becomes less of a pull hitter he'll be a real force.

[ppa79]

I hope he can eventually learn to take a walk

[Darth_Takeo]

I hope he can eventually learn to take a walk

He was taking more pitches as the season progressed. Not necessarily walking a lot but I think he's learning. He was definitely improving.

[Bub]

He was taking more pitches as the season progressed. Not necessarily walking a lot but I think he's learning. He was definitely improving.

Sure seemed that way to me. Particularly, he took some very close pitches just off the plate, which is a good sign that he's developing patience and a good batting eye. Soriano would chase curves a foot outside, even though everybody in the park and those watching on TV, and even Soriano himself, knew it was coming.

[Soriambi]

He was taking more pitches as the season progressed. Not necessarily walking a lot but I think he's learning. He was definitely improving.

Overall Pitches/PA: 3.05

May: 2.92
June: 3.06
July: 2.93
August: 3.14
September: 3.23

He certainly seemed to start taking some more pitches, but it wasn't as much as it seemed to the naked eye, I don't think. It's a good sign that he started around 2.92 in May and ended up at 3.23 in the September, and hopefully that progression continues, and isn't just a fluke. I think that he has a chance to be a pretty good hitter, but these comparisons by Torre to Rod Carew and people might be setting the expectations a bit high..

[stephsamps]

I really like this kid a lot. Hopefully he can learn to be a little more selective at the plate. Defensively I think he'll be fine. For me, the emergence of Cano was one of the highlights of the season. Thank you Miguel Cairo's agent for overestimating the market for your client, and thank you Tony Womack for sucking.

But I completely agree. Our hidden gems were definitely the highlight of the season for me. I also love that Cano has (most) always got a smile on his face and seems to be enjoying it. Here's hoping that DJ has found his double play partner for a long while

[EdRuane]

Overall Pitches/PA: 3.05

May: 2.92
June: 3.06
July: 2.93
August: 3.14
September: 3.23

He certainly seemed to start taking some more pitches, but it wasn't as much as it seemed to the naked eye, I don't think. It's a good sign that he started around 2.92 in May and ended up at 3.23 in the September, and hopefully that progression continues, and isn't just a fluke. I think that he has a chance to be a pretty good hitter, but these comparisons by Torre to Rod Carew and people might be setting the expectations a bit high..

He was taking more pitches when he wasn't grounding out on the first pitch, if that makes any sense.

[Michaels07]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

[b_joseph]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

thats sheffields job

[Bub]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

Such as???

[EdRuane]

Such as???

Lupica? Perhaps he's hoping the Yanks raise the payroll so he can harp on it for yet another year.

[27IsNext]

I think his power will improve a bit more next year, and his BB rate will go up. As mentioned, he started taking more pitches later in the year, esp. during the ALDS.

EDIT: Save for the errors, he's a good defender too. +9 UZR at the season's halfway point. He needs to learn to stay focused so th errors will go down. If we get Piniella, that will help tons.

[Bub]

Lupica? Perhaps he's hoping the Yanks raise the payroll so he can harp on it for yet another year.

Actually, I was looking for potential centerfielders. To trade someone with Cano's potential, especially considering how young he is, would have to fetch quite a prize. Anything older than 28 and not anything short of a gold glove with a solid bat should be out of the question.

[stephsamps]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

And that is why they are sports writers .

[surge511]

For no reason should we trade Cano. He is so good. He has the potential to turn into one of the best second baseman in the game, and he is homegrown, part of the 'new generation' of babyyankees. I love watching him

[Kulish29]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

It's a good thing they're just sportswriters then.

The Yankees finally have a permanent answer at second base. Cano should be there for years to come. Trading him for anything other than a proven Ace would be stupid.

[Born in the Bronx]

I would seriously consider trading this guy if the price is right. We always buy high and sell low, right now, his value is pretty high. Let's put a package together for Torii Hunter.

[panicfan]

I didn't see that in Lupica today...got a quote?

Lupica? Perhaps he's hoping the Yanks raise the payroll so he can harp on it for yet another year.

[ICEBERG18]

I didn't see that in Lupica today...got a quote?

It was Heyman that said trade Cano for Hunter.

[I Love Wang]

I would seriously consider trading this guy if the price is right. We always buy high and sell low, right now, his value is pretty high. Let's put a package together for Torii Hunter.

Why not keep a player that could be very productive for us, instead of trading for an overvalued Sportscenter all-star like Torii Hunter, who is almost 10 years older?

[jet_jr]

cano has untapped opposite field power. if he learns to take the ball the other way on a regular basis he can hit .320. i'm not sure he'll ever be a high obp guy but if he becomes less of a pull hitter he'll be a real force.

You'll absolutely right on this one. I've seen my times this year where he just flicked his wrist and the went to the left field warning track. No question this kid is going to be a star. We're set at third, short and second for at least 7 more years.

[jet_jr]

Some Sportswriters are pushing for the Yanks to trade Cano for a star centerfielder.

Most sportswriters do not know what the hell they are talking about

[panicfan]

Is he News or Post?

Bad Move.

It will hopefully never happen.

It was Heyman that said trade Cano for Hunter.

[jet_jr]

I would seriously consider trading this guy if the price is right. We always buy high and sell low, right now, his value is pretty high. Let's put a package together for Torii Hunter.

Tori Hunter??? In my opinon Cano is already a better hitter than Torii Hunter. Sure he's a great CF, but if do not know if he could handle the pressures of playing in NYC. We already know that Cano can!

[panicfan]

I am against this trade, but Tori Hunter is absolutely what we need defensively. Sherman was talking about Sheff for Hunter. I'd do that.

Tori Hunter??? In my opinon Cano is already a better hitter than Torii Hunter. Sure he's a great CF, but if do not know if he could handle the pressures of playing in NYC. We already know that Cano can!

[I Love Wang]

I am against this trade, but Tori Hunter is absolutely what we need defensively. Sherman was talking about Sheff for Hunter. I'd do that.

Hunter's value is far less than Sheffield's. I'd demand Hunter and Joe Nathan for Sheffield. I'd rather trade Sheffield for Wells or Rowand, who are both better fielders than Hunter.

[jpao89]

Can who? Can oh? He's not a name and worse yet, he's from the farm. We can't have someone from the farm and is not a BIG NAME playing for a George Steinbrenner team. No, this kid must be sacraficed on the alter of the overthehill "proven winner." Its the George show now folks, Can-oh. . away ya go!!!

[Steph19]

I love Cano and I really like how he showed improvement on the taking pitches and especially the bunting. Early on he looked clueless and by the end of the year, he was laying them down with quality most of the time.

But I am worried about one thing with him...

He's already got a bigger build then Soriano and he's only 22. What if he fills out more, raising his power numbers but loses too much range to stay at second base? Remember, that's why the D'Backs didn't want to trade for him. They thought he could hit but figured he may wind up at 3b or 1b and not hit well enough for that position. Is this a real worry we should have?

[flymick24]

It was Heyman that said trade Cano for Hunter.

heyman's been getting on my nerves lately

[jet_jr]

I am against this trade, but Tori Hunter is absolutely what we need defensively. Sherman was talking about Sheff for Hunter. I'd do that.

I wouldn't trade Sheff either. There only a handful of players I would trade Sheff for and none are available.

[Bub]

Why not keep a player that could be very productive for us, instead of trading for an overvalued Sportscenter all-star like Torii Hunter, who is almost 10 years older?

Even if Hunter was the same age, I don't think I'd make the trade. He doesn't hit for much of an average, so we'd be getting the defense and some good power in exchange for somebody who will probably be more valuable down the road. A gold glove CF is more valuable than a gold glove 2B, but they're both up-the-middle positions so the difference isn't too much.

[Born in the Bronx]

Cano showed an incredible amount of promise this year, but I'm not convinced he's going to be a star. At times he has looked like a very stupid and lazy ballplayer. Is it just youth and inexperience? Will he improve as he gets older? Perhaps. All I know is there's just something about him that I don't like and his stock is very high right now.

[panicfan]

But, we are coming up on the last year of his contract, so we might be able to trade Sheff to grab someone who's not a free agent and sign them to an extension.

Just a thought

I wouldn't trade Sheff either. There only a handful of players I would trade Sheff for and none are available.

[Kluivert4Ever]

Cano this year had 14 homeruns in 132 games.
Translate that into a full year and you got around 17-18 homeruns during a full year, that is not bad for a 22 year old rookie.
I am convinced that he can in his prime hit .310 and also around 25-30 homeruns. Thats not bad.

[Kluivert4Ever]

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/app...0210111719.jpg

Poor Robbie, looks so sad

[wileedog]

Cano this year had 14 homeruns in 132 games.
Translate that into a full year and you got around 17-18 homeruns during a full year, that is not bad for a 22 year old rookie.
I am convinced that he can in his prime hit .310 and also around 25-30 homeruns. Thats not bad.

Also worth noting is Cano smacked 34 doubles. He didn't walk much, but relatively speaking for a 22 year old he didn't K too much either.

I think he's going to be one of those tough out, line drive gap hitters, which would be a great complement to the high OBP guys around him.

[Kluivert4Ever]

Also worth noting is Cano smacked 34 doubles. He didn't walk much, but relatively speaking for a 22 year old he didn't K too much either.

I think he's going to be one of those tough out, line drive gap hitters, which would be a great complement to the high OBP guys around him.

Exactly, and as he gets stronger those doubles can start turning into homeruns.
The sky is the limit for this kid.

[Michaels07]

Cano must improve his defense and cut out the styling.If you want to remain a Yankee act like one.

[Kluivert4Ever]

Cano must improve his defense and cut out the styling.If you want to remain a Yankee act like one.

What styling?

[yankeebot]

I hope he fields 5,899,076,992 groundbballs in an instructional league over the winter.

[Shaun4013]

Cano is going to have a GREAT year next year, and will be much better deffensivly.

[Crusadecat]

Cano is the goods. I'd like to see the direction that was started this year , pulling in some young talent continue.

[TheTinoMobile]

If the Yankees trade Cano, I will personally boycott the season... Brian Cashman fought for this kid, for the front office to see what he could do and how good he really was, not so that they could see how valuable he would be in a trade for some bad hitting CF ala Torii Hunter.

[The Q Bomb]

The Yankees would be absolute idiots to trade Cano.