3/13/09

Second Base

Starter: Robinson Cano has been the Yankees primary 2B since 2005. Despite his rough season last year, Cano has been a fantastic addition to the team. In his first season with the Yanks, he hit .297/.320/.458 and finished 2nd in the ROY votings. His following season, he hit .342/.365/.525, was voted onto the All-Star team, won a Silver Slugger Award, and came in 3rd for the AL Batting Title (behind Jeter and Mauer). In 2007, he had another great year, hitting .306/.353/.488. Last season, he only hit .271/.305/.410, which, granted, is rough, but clearly not indicative of his talent and potential. He did a lot of work with Kevin Long at the end of last season and over the winter to rework his swing, which will hopefully lead to him getting back to where he was in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Cano has often been criticized for his lack of plate discipline, but he worked with Long on this as well. Unfortunately, he isn't a great fielder, but he is by no means terrible. One thing that I like about Cano is the energy he brings to the team. Him and Melky have great chemistry and together they really seem to give the team a boost. Cano has taken a lot of heat for his off season last year, but what people have to realize is that he is still young (25) and has plenty of time for major improvement. I have no doubt that Robinson Cano will return to form and really contribute to the team's success this season. 

Back up- Cody Ransom is the backup at second base. I'm not going to profile him right now though, because I wanted to wait for 3rd base, where he will have a much greater impact with the A-Rod injury.

Prospects- Kevin Russo is the Yankees primary 2b prospect. He posted impressive stats in AA Trenton last year, hitting .307/.363/.416. He figures to be the everyday 2b for AAA next season, but if Cano goes down, Russo should get a look.

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