Are some of the fans/front office over-valuing the potential trade bait?

[SubwayFanatic]

I like Cano and Wang. I think Cano, especially if he develops a bit of plate discipline, could be a pretty damn good player. I also think Wang can be a solid middle-of-the-rotation pitcher.

But I don't view either of these guys as "untouchable."

I've seen quotes from Cashman and some of the fans referring to them as such. Now, it could be that Cashman is just hyping up their value, so if the right deal comes along he will pull the trigger. But do you almost get the sense that he is over-valuing these guys too much and is almost afraid to part with these guys almost under any circumstances?

I am not saying that these two should be traded for peanuts. But you almost get the sense now that if the Cardinals offered Pujols for Cano and Wang that Cashman would reject the deal and some of the fans would be praising him. (Okay, I am obviously exaggerating here).

And this goes beyond Wang and Cano. I have seen people say that Hughes is "untouchable" and there was even (no offense) a thread started yesterday wondering if Chacon was also "untouchable."

It's weird, because the front office and a lot of fans, in years past, it seemed, would be the total opposite -- it seemed like they would consider trading the next Babe Ruth for Preston Wilson.

But now it seems like many have adopted the completely opposite extreme. And I am just wondering, is possibly over-valuing some of the potential trade bait on this team just as bad as having no patience for players and just pawning them off?

[DuqueRocks264Evr]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

[yanksphan]

I don't think Cano is overrated. He certainly has the potential to become a star someday.

Wang OTOH is definitely overrated by many. If the right deal came around (a plus CF) I'd ship him off in a heartbeat.

[flymick24]

lowell is owed $18 million... i would have hated for the yankees to take on that payroll. add in the fact that lowell is declining as a player and the yankees would have given up way too much. beckett is good, but pierre, castillo, and the aforementioned lowell would not make the deal fair. wang and cano are much more valuable to this team right now than those marlins cast-offs. and duncan will be a star.

[ryanthe13th]

Cano should not be traded for any reason. His rookie season was outstanding. He has a ton of potential and I'd hate to see it be on another team.

Wang on the other hand, should be considered movable. The deal would have to be something that greatly benefits this team though. It won't happen though, since every team who has tried talking to us about Wang or Cano has attempted to lowball us.

[BeantownYankee]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

That would've been a terrible trade. Keep all 4 and try to sign Burnett would be a much better option, then maybe trade Wang for a good Young CF. I'm not saying to do this, just saying it would be a much beeter option then trading two young players that proved they could play in NY as well as our two of our top prospects for a Pitcher who may continue to have injury issues, a over hyped OF, a overpriced 3B whom we don't need and have no place for.

[effdamets]

I'd like for the Yankees to keep Cano... But, if a team comes to them and makes an offer to hard to refuse, you would have to let him go... Something like Cano and Duncan for Manny.... Where is Duncan going to play with A-rod at third... And I know, "who will play 2nd base". We could always sign a guy named Furcal... Look, NONE of this will happen, but, let's face it, Cano and Wang should not be "untouchable"...

[swityak11]

Fans always have a tendency to perceive their own players have a higher worth than they actually do. This seems to especially be the case with Wang and Cano. They're both solid cheap guys with good potential but they aren't elite players by any means.

The only players on this team that should be untouchable if the right deal comes along are the ones that no other team would take because of their salaries.

[ring403]

The bottom line is that the Yankees are at the point where their payroll is uncomfortably close to the tipping point where it turns organizational profit into loss. Their obscene spending over the last decade has put the organization into a position where they have little payroll flexibility left.
Player like Wang and Cano aren't labeled "untouchable" because the organization necessarily thinks they are future Hall of Famers. They are untouchable because they have proven they can contribute at the big league level, and are making the league minimum salary. That makes them more valuable to the Yankees, and their strategy to gradually replace thier aging and overpaid roster with younger, cheaper alternatives who will allow the team to regain some fiscal sanity in the coming years, while still remaining very competitive in the short term.

[BeantownYankee]

The bottom line is that the Yankees are at the point where their payroll is uncomfortably close to the tipping point where it turns organizational profit into loss.

And how do you know this?

Their obscene spending over the last decade has put the organization into a position where they have little payroll flexibility left.
Player like Wang and Cano aren't labeled "untouchable" because the organization necessarily thinks they are future Hall of Famers. They are untouchable because they have proven they can contribute at the big league level, and are making the league minimum salary. That makes them more valuable to the Yankees, and their strategy to gradually replace thier aging and overpaid roster with younger, cheaper alternatives who will allow the team to regain some fiscal sanity in the coming years, while still remaining very competitive in the short term.

If they are that much more valuable to the Yankees why are every team asking for them as a prelude to any trade?

[AMYanks]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

That would have been a horrible trade for the Yankees. Lowell is due too much money, and has no role on this team, and Pierre is just awful.

The only way I would give up those prospects, and take on Lowell's salary, is if Cabrera was put in the deal. We all know that the Marlins would never do that, so I would've declined the proposed trade.

[Ivoted4Kodos]

Where is Duncan going to play with A-rod at third...

First base.

[rightfielder21]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

The same thing can be said for those who think the above is a good deal...

[23and2]

Imagine Cano and Wang were FAs available on the market today. The only thing they would have going against them would be their limited MLB experience. But given that, how much would they be able to sign for? A young 2B who can hit for average and power to all fields... A young, hard sinker throwing pitcher with poise who could be a #3, and at worse a #4, on any staff? Throw in the fact both players have performed under the pressure and distractions of NY and have some playoff experience to boot. Is it unreasonable to imagine the Yankees willing to pay $7M - $9M a year to each player? They're valuable.

[AMYanks]

First base.

Or RF, where many believe he is best suited.

[Ivoted4Kodos]

Or RF, where many believe he is best suited.

Exactly. If he hits, they'll find a spot for him.

[Wang's Groundballs]

Or RF, where many believe he is best suited.

Many? He has a hitch in his throwing motion, which takes a lot off his throws. If he ends up in the OF it would be in LF. He'll end up at 1B, though.

I'm sure some are overrating Cano, Wang, Hughes, and others. But there just haven't been any deals that have come along that have been worth making. And Wang and Cano are even more valuable than just their performance because they're so cheap right now, so you shouldn't trade either unless it's a no-brainer.

[Wang's Groundballs]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

Yeah, who doesn't want to spend $20 million more than is necessary for a slight improvement this year that will cripple us in the future...

[swityak11]

Is it unreasonable to imagine the Yankees willing to pay $7M - $9M a year to each player? They're valuable.

To be fair, what the Yankees' FO is willing to pay players is hardly representative of their actual worth on the open market.

And I don't think either player is worth $7-9 million right now with so little experience.

[Sam18]

Let's say we trade Cano or Wang, who's gonna replace their production for next year?

[Evil Empire]

Let's say we trade Cano or Wang, who's gonna replace their production for next year?

Tony Womack and Kevin Brown. Duh.

[23and2]

I think Sam18 put it a better way. Even if you cannot imagine Cano and Wang getting $7-$9M on the FA market, how much do you think it would cost to acquire replacement players who would give you the same production? They're valuable.

[NewEraYanks2527]

If the right deal comes along then NO ONE is untouchable. Of course that right deal may never come. I'd part with Cano and/or Wang in a second if a deal would come along to help the Yankees greatly. Taking on a huge contract for what appears to be a third basemen on the steep decline in order to obtain a young pitcher that has yet to throw 200 innings in a season or another poor defensive power hitter first basemen for a possible #3 pitcher that is cool under pressure and a young second basemen that has a very high upside is not the right deal. Would this thread exist if Josh Beckett not on the Red Sox and Carlos Delgado was not on the Mets? I dont think the Yankees most importantly are overvaluing their prospects but rather using them smartly. If a deal came along that was say and this is very hypothetical Wang and Cano for Hunter and Johan Santana, well then that solves the CF needs and puts a young left handed AMAZINGLY dominant pitcher in the pinstripes. I'm not saying this is the type of deal I expect for Wang but I think Cahsman knows what kind of players he has and what he wants to get for them if they are traded and Josh Beckett and Carlos Delgado was not what he wanted nor should anyone else who can really see the big picture.

[23and2]

To be clear, I'm not saying Cano and Wang are untouchable. Just saying they've got significant value and we shouldn't short change ourselves by treating them like minor league talent or A-list prospects.

[ring403]

And how do you know this?

Because I have read comments by Cashman and others in the organization to that affect. Do a little research, if you're interested.
Do you think Cashman is reducing payroll just for the hell of it, or perhaps out of some nagging guilt about the Yankees payroll advantage over the rest of the league?

If they are that much more valuable to the Yankees why are every team asking for them as a prelude to any trade?

They are valuable to other teams as well because they are major league tested, and there are not exactly alot of other major league ready prospects in the organization. Who else would teams ask for? Some kid in A ball, who might make it to the majors in 5 years?

[Bernie Inferno]

They are valuable to other teams as well because they are major league tested, and there are not exactly alot of other major league ready prospects in the organization. Who else would teams ask for? Some kid in A ball, who might make it to the majors in 5 years?

Not to mention stretch-run and October tested...

[Huktonfonix]

I'd say that Cano and Wang, right now, are slightly above average for their positions with significant potential for improvement. While it's possible that someday Cano will be an all-star 2nd baseman and Wang will be a front-line starter, those who expect it are overrating both players. If a great offer for them does come along, of course they should be traded.

However, there is no way that their production can be replaced at anything close to what they cost now, or will for several years to come. They're nowhere near arbitration even. Name one free agent this year at 2B or a #3 or 4 starter who can put up similar numbers and will cost less than 3-4 million a year. At minimum, anyone who can adequately replace these guys is going to cost at least 10x as much.

Say you trade the two of them for a superstar outfielder. Ignoring the added payroll from whoever we got in the trade, we'd also be shelling out say 12 million over 3 years each to a FA 2B and SP. I figure that at minimum, trading these two costs the Yankees at least 24 million, and that's before luxury tax. That's 24 million I'd much rather see put toward bullpen help than signing a mediocre SP and 2B.

[jnewmark]

This time last year, alot of posters were saying that they would trade anyone, with the possible exception of Mo, if it made the Yankees a better team. You don't hear much of that this year. Even a player at the " A " level is being feircely defended as " untradeable ". ( Hughes ). The fickle face of fandom !

[Joe Pepitone]

Imagine Cano and Wang were FAs available on the market today. The only thing they would have going against them would be their limited MLB experience. But given that, how much would they be able to sign for? A young 2B who can hit for average and power to all fields... A young, hard sinker throwing pitcher with poise who could be a #3, and at worse a #4, on any staff? Throw in the fact both players have performed under the pressure and distractions of NY and have some playoff experience to boot. Is it unreasonable to imagine the Yankees willing to pay $7M - $9M a year to each player? They're valuable.

Are you serious?? They each would command under $5mm at this point. Too unproven. $7-9mm?!? That's absurd - and I suppose, ironically proves part of the purpose of this thread in my opinion.

It certainly answers the thread title!

[Sam18]

I'd say that Cano and Wang, right now, are slightly above average for their positions with significant potential for improvement. While it's possible that someday Cano will be an all-star 2nd baseman and Wang will be a front-line starter, those who expect it are overrating both players. If a great offer for them does come along, of course they should be traded.

However, there is no way that their production can be replaced at anything close to what they cost now, or will for several years to come. They're nowhere near arbitration even. Name one free agent this year at 2B or a #3 or 4 starter who can put up similar numbers and will cost less than 3-4 million a year. At minimum, anyone who can adequately replace these guys is going to cost at least 10x as much.

Say you trade the two of them for a superstar outfielder. Ignoring the added payroll from whoever we got in the trade, we'd also be shelling out say 12 million over 3 years each to a FA 2B and SP. I figure that at minimum, trading these two costs the Yankees at least 24 million, and that's before luxury tax. That's 24 million I'd much rather see put toward bullpen help than signing a mediocre SP and 2B.

Yep.

...

[23and2]

Are you serious?? They each would command under $5mm at this point. Too unproven. $7-9mm?!? That's absurd - and I suppose, ironically proves part of the purpose of this thread in my opinion.

It certainly answers the thread title!

Just answer this: If the Yanks were to trade away Wang and Cano, how much would it cost to replace them in today's market (with the current group of FA's available)? That's their worth to the Yankees.

[jnewmark]

Just answer this: If the Yanks were to trade away Wang and Cano, how much would it cost to replace them in today's market (with the current group of FA's available)? That's their worth to the Yankees.

Why does it have to be in terms of Free Agents? If they were to be traded, they would be traded for players already under contract, not free agents.

[23and2]

Why does it have to be in terms of Free Agents? If they were to be traded, they would be traded for players already under contract, not free agents.

We're going to trade away Wang and Cano for a pitcher and 2nd baseman? I thought we were looking for CF and bullpen help.

[longtimeyankeefan]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

Beckett made $2.4M last season and is arbitration eligible after a 15-8, 3.38 season - likely looking at $5 to $6M in arbitration

Castillo is due $5M in 2006 with a $5.75M option that vests after 400PA

Lowell is due $18M over the next two seasons

Pierre is due $3.7M in 2006, coming off a .276/.326/.354 season

So, the Yankees take on $30+ million in salary, minimally upgrade their starting staff and 2B, obtain a CF they don't want, get an aging 3Bman with no place to play him and give up their two best young players and two top prospects in return.

Absolutely, this deal is one we could not have passed up.

[The Comic Book Guy]

Cano could, probably should, be an all-star 2B sometime in the near future. Wang, at worst, is a terrific long-reliever/spot-starter in the Mendoza mold. At best, I think he could be a Tim Hudson-type ace at the top of the rotation. Pitchers with 95+ heat and a filthy split don't come along every day.

While neither should be untouchable, the Yankees have no reason to shop them. If a proven, long term solution comes along (say, something ridiculous like a Vernon Wells/Orlando Hudson package) gets offered, then sure, you jump all over it. But otherwise, why not give those two a chance to show what they can do in NY with a season under their belts?

[BeantownYankee]

Because I have read comments by Cashman and others in the organization to that affect. Do a little research, if you're interested.
Do you think Cashman is reducing payroll just for the hell of it, or perhaps out of some nagging guilt about the Yankees payroll advantage over the rest of the league?

Actually I'm not that interested. Just wondering when this became a big issue to the Yanks. I thought it was more of a case that they are spending big money with little results and are tired of carrying big contracts that yield little return, but if you comments that state they are concerned with Profits..well then


They are valuable to other teams as well because they are major league tested, and there are not exactly alot of other major league ready prospects in the organization. Who else would teams ask for? Some kid in A ball, who might make it to the majors in 5 years?

If you're saying that they are just a valuable to other teams then how can you say that the Yankees are over valuing there players?

[YankeeFan1]

I consider Cano untouchable, but Wang trade bait. The Yankees can't trade Cano because they have no one else to play 2nd and hit decently. Wang on the other hand has low K rates and shoulder problems so if I was the Yankees, I would consider trading him for the right offer which might include a good centerfielder or 2 solid relievers.

[ieddyi]

Soriano was deemed untouchable also and we held on to him and ended up using him to get ARod

The FO is doing it the right way in not giving away valuable pieces. Cano has shown he can play well in NY- and the playoffs. His defense is already much better than Soriano and he has shown willingness to adapy at the plate- going to left field- trying to take more pitches.
It is possible to learn palte discipline- Arod early in his career didn't take many walks and he has adapted. I read a study that had a long list of players who did increase their walk rate later in their careers.
The only knock against Wang is injury and the low K rate. For anybody who watches him pitch, w/ his extreme gd/fb ratio, it's not really a concern for me.
The mArlin deal would be great except for the addition of Lowells albatross salary. The sawx have an opening at 3b/1b. For us to do that dea; and give up 2 promising players for 1 good picher w/ question marks would ahve been squandering talent

[lighthazard]

Unless we're blown away by a deal I think we should keep them.

[ring403]

If you're saying that they are just a valuable to other teams then how can you say that the Yankees are over valuing there players?

The Yankees can no longer afford to address all of their personnel needs through the FA market. They have to begin to rebuild through their farm system in order to assure their continued success. That is why they are declining any trade proposals which include their best young talent. Guys like Cano and Wang, who are able to contribute at the major league level immediately are scarce in the system, and that's why they continue to say no to every team that asks. The Yankees can't afford NOT to hang onto them.

[gold23]

Cano and Wang are not overrated. Both players are guys who played extremely well in their first full seasons as major league players, after being highly regarded (cano) and well regarded (Wang) by the FO before reaching the bigs.

They have value well above that of a premiere prospect in that they've proven they are capable of achieving sucess at the highest level, as opposed to having the potential to do so. Is it too early to determine whether they are flash in the pans or emerging stars? Of course it is. But they completed their first steps on the way to proving the latter, which is the most difficult to do.

If Wang had not had rotator cuff issues, I'd be much less inclined to even consider a trade involving him. His K rate would concern me if he didn't have excellent stuff. I feel that since he throws so many strikes with that mid-90's sinker, he gets a lot of early count groundball outs. When he is sharp, the batters simply top the ball to an infielder. Reminds me very much of a young Scott Erickson, who was a fabulous pitcher for a few years.

Cano? Ball simply jumps off his bat, and he has a knack for adjusting fairly quickly to a different style approach. He doesn't reach base that well, which should slightly improve. But if he hits close to .300 with pop (and he should be a 20+ guy pretty quickly), he could be a very effective offensive player in the 6th type spot in the order.

I would deal either or both if the perfect deal came along, but what would that be? Any CF that is available is not good enough for either- to trade one of these guys you'd have to significantly improve a spot with a player who simply is not a stopgap or a shot in the dark.

So, no, I do not think the Yankees are overvaluing either of these players. Two young, inexpensive players who have performed very well during a pressure-packed season.

[27IsNext]

most definitely they have, risking a verbal lashing, I believe that Cano and Wang are both way overrated.

personally, there was a supposed deal that would have sent Wang, Cano, Hughes, Duncan to Florida for Beckett, Pierre, Castillo, Lowell, if that deal was real, I hate it that they didn't go for it.

but it's quite obvious that the FO and the fan base have gone way nuts about hording our "prospects".

The above would have been an absolutely horrible deal. Just horrible. Beckett is injury-prone. Lowell is expensive, and a huge question mark--will he revert to the Lowell of old, or continue to decline? Castillo is good, but over 30, and has a $4/year salary as opposed to Cano's league minimum. And defensively, Castillo is inconsistant from year to year. His career RATE2 is 98, his 2005 FRAR 27--both below average. His UZR from 2000-2003 is -1, but his 2004 UZR was +4 (I think). Pierre is overrated, sucks defensively, and will continue to decline.

I'm glad we didn't accept that awful deal.

[Joe Pepitone]

I consider Cano untouchable, but Wang trade bait. The Yankees can't trade Cano because they have no one else to play 2nd and hit decently. Wang on the other hand has low K rates and shoulder problems so if I was the Yankees, I would consider trading him for the right offer which might include a good centerfielder or 2 solid relievers.

So, there are no other 2B in the league, and no other guys that can hit .297 with an OPS of .778? Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds, and how it validates the pretense of this thread?

[AMYanks]

So, there are no other 2B in the league, and no other guys that can hit .297 with an OPS of .778? Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds, and how it validates the pretense of this thread?

How many second-basemen have put up his numbers, are 23, and making less than $1M?

[gold23]

How many second-basemen have put up his numbers, are 23, and making less than $1M?

And come with potential to improve upon those numbers. This is pretty much the point- it's not that the production is necessarily irreplaceable- with the exception of A-Rod and Mo, there are players in the league that could replace just about any Yankee.

It is the cost per production, and ability to perform for many more years at their respective ages, that really enhance their value. If Cano put up those numbers as a 29-year old veteran, he'd be considered a 2B with some pop that is a decent enough producer. But he's a baby with potential and a ludicrously low cost for his production in NY.

[23and2]

So, there are no other 2B in the league, and no other guys that can hit .297 with an OPS of .778? Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds, and how it validates the pretense of this thread?

Joe, all I asked you was how much would such a guy cost. That's all. How much?

[YankeeFan1]

So, there are no other 2B in the league, and no other guys that can hit .297 with an OPS of .778? Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds, and how it validates the pretense of this thread?

So let me get this straight, the Yankees have a cheap young solid 2nd baseman and no one else on the team to fill his position adequately so they should trade him and then proceed to sign and/or trade for a more expensive player who may or may not be as good Cano. If my opinion based on the facts as they stand sound ridiculous, then your comment is simply beyond stupid.

[Zzyzx]

The reason Yankees fans overvalue their prospects, is largely (IMO) that they haven't really seen any bad ones lately. There was the slew of Posada, Jeter, Williams, Rivera, and then pretty much everyone else got traded away before they could bust. Fans of teams that keep their prospects are more jaded about the process. Sometimes they develop, sometimes they don't and no one knows why really.

[Bernie Inferno]

It seems people have forgotten the fact that you are not a true Yankee unless you make more than $10 million per year...

[Joe Pepitone]

So let me get this straight, the Yankees have a cheap young solid 2nd baseman and no one else on the team to fill his position adequately so they should trade him and then proceed to sign and/or trade for a more expensive player who may or may not be as good Cano. If my opinion based on the facts as they stand sound ridiculous, then your comment is simply beyond stupid.

I never said they should trade them. Try reading comprehension. What I did say was that your "untouchable" comment was absurd. For the right deal, Cano should hardly be untouchable.

Joe, all I asked you was how much would such a guy cost. That's all. How much?

Not sure... but not $7-9mm, that's for sure. How about I do this for you... I'll break out some numbers, and you tell me if you STILL think Cano is worth $7-9mm (let me start you off with a hint: No 2B makes more than $8mm...): Following table SORTED BY 2005 WIN SHARES FOR SECOND BASEMEN:

						OPS	Win Shares	Age	Salary ($mm)
1	NL	J	Kent	LAN	2B	0.889	30	37	$7.350
2	AL	B	Roberts	BAL	2B	0.903	28	28	$0.390
3	NL	C	Utley	PHI	2B	0.915	27	27	$0.345
4	NL	M	Giles	ATL	2B	0.826	25	27	$2.350
5	AL	M	Ellis	OAK	2B	0.861	21	28	$0.400
6	NL	C	Counsell	ARI	2B	0.726	21	35	$1.350
7	NL	C	Biggio	HOU	2B	0.792	19	40	$3.000
8	AL	J	Cantu	TB	2B	0.808	18	23	$0.317
9	NL	M	Grudzielan	STL	2B	0.724	18	35	$1.000
10	AL	A	Kennedy	LAA	2B	0.765	17	29	$3.000
11	NL	L	Castillo	FLA	2B	0.765	17	30	$5.167
12	AL	T	Iguchi	CHA	2B	0.780	17	31	$2.300
13	AL	R	Belliard	CLE	2B	0.774	17	30	$2.500
14	AL	A	Soriano	TEX	2B	0.821	16	27	$7.500
15	NL	R	Aurilia	CIN	2B	0.782	16	34	$0.600
16	AL	O	Hudson	TOR	2B	0.728	15	28	$0.365
17	NL	R	Durham	SF	2B	0.785	15	34	$7.200
18	NL	M	Loretta	SD	2B	0.707	15	34	$2.750
19	AL	P	Polanco	DET	2B	0.821	15	30	$4.600
20	NL	T	Walker	CHN	2B	0.829	14	32	$2.500
21	NL	R	Freel	CIN	2B	0.743	12	29	$0.405
22	AL	R	Cano	NYA	2B	0.778	12	23	$0.316
23	NL	J	Vidro	WAS	2B	0.763	11	31	$7.000
24	NL	R	Weeks	MIL	2B	0.727	10	23	$0.316
25	NL	J	Castillo	PIT	2B	0.724	9	24	$0.327

Next, let's look at fielding... of the 17 players that qualify at 2B (i.e. started more than 100 games), Cano is 16th out of 17 in fielding percentage, 8th out of 17 in range factor, and 12th out of 17 in Zone Rating.

O.k... should we continue? Let's look at speed. Cano is tied for dead last among starting 2B in 2005 in stolen bases (tied with Mark Ellis, Jorge Cantu and the speedy Todd Walker) with 1 SB.

Listen... I like Cano. I think he has a nice career ahead of him. But, if anyone cares to refute the clear numbers I have laid out, I am all ears. To put him in the upper echelon of players at this point (even when discussing his potential) is absurd.

He is worth about $3mm-$4mm tops on the open market - and that is simply based on potential and age. His value based on everything I have laid out above is less on its face value.