Robinson Cano

2013

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2012

Last season was another MVP-level performance for Cano, as he finished in the top 10 in the AL in RBI, runs scored, slugging percentage, and OPS. Cano did strike out a career-high 96 times and his contact rate slipped to a career-low 85 percent as a result. Further, his walk rate dropped fairly dramatically, but he's got such great hands and bat speed that another season of top-level production should be in order. At 29, Cano is still well in his prime, and the Yankees will continue to provide him with plenty of opportunities to drive in and score a ton of runs as a key member of their potential lineup.

2011

If you can find a flaw in Cano's game, please let us know. His MVP-caliber 2010 campaign featured career highs in home runs, RBI and OPS; and there's little reason to expect him to slow down, especially as his plate discipline continues to improve. OK, there may be one blemish - his lack of stolen bases - but when you're getting ridiculous production in the other categories, it's easy to overlook. Don't be surprised if he comes off the board as a first-round selection on draft day.

2010

Cano shed the “questionable motivation” label he acquired during a lackluster 2008 campaign, blasting a career-high 25 homers and hitting .320/.352/.520. We’re most encouraged by his improving plate discipline; his OBP was nearly 50 points higher than 2008 and he cut down on his number of strikeouts for the second straight season despite logging 40 more at-bats. If he can start hitting with runners in scoring position (a paltry .207 last season) his RBI total of 85 could see a boost as well.

2009

Motivational issues landed Cano in manager Joe Girardi's doghouse during a lackluster 2008. Since his forgettable season, Cano has taken to a more strict offseason workout regimen in an effort to improve his power, speed and agility. While Cano's plate discipline still needs work (.305 OBP), he cut back on his strikeouts last season and his power potential along with improved motivation and a very capable lineup around him suggest that a bounce back into the upper echelon of fantasy second basemen is in order. Be ready to pounce on draft day if he slides down the board on the heels of a disappointing campaign.

2008

Had the Yankees been willing to part with Cano, they may have been able to pull off a blockbuster deal with the Twins during the winter meetings and land Johan Santana. Keeping Cano wasn't the worst decision the front office has ever made, though we'd still like to see improved plate discipline (39 BB in 669 plate appearances). To his credit, Cano made strides in that department last season and is trending in the right direction. Even if his OBP tops out in the .350 range, he'll do just fine given his combination of power paired with the big bats hitting in front of him. Expect another season of improvement as the maturation process continues.

2007

Cano produced consistently behind the big guns in the middle of the Yankees' lineup for the second straight season. The 24-year-old finished third in the American League with a .342 batting average, but there are concerns about his patience at the plate, as he's walked in just 3.2 percent of his plate appearances in his young career. Still, the second base job is his for the foreseeable future and he brings good power to a position that never has enough to go around.

2006

Cano got better and better after coming up in early May, and if not for the dominant performance of Oakland closer Huston Street, he would have been the Rookie of the Year. Cano provides solid production across the board, and while he'll never contribute the big steal numbers of some of the elite fantasy middle infielders, he's likely to add a bit of power as he matures. Cano should get plenty of chances to score and drive in runs in the powerful Yankees lineup, which should mitigate some concerns about his poor eye at the plate.

2005

Cano was prematurely promoted to Triple-A as a showcase for a possible trade. He remains the top infield prospect for the Yankees, but another year of seasoning will do him some good as he develops more power and fills out. Still, it's hard to see him as the Yankee second baseman of the future - he's much more likely to be dealt before then.

2004

Although Cano is still very young for his level, his bat has regressed at each level, and his defense is pretty questionable to begin with. While he's still pegged by the Yankees for middle infield play, he might eventually be moved to third base or the outfield.

2003

Cano emerged last season despite the fact he didn't hit up to his standard. He's currently rated as the best infield prospect in the Yankee system by Baseball America. His strengths are his bat control, a strong arm, and fast hands. The hands help him in both sides of the game as he’s able to grasp and release quickly in the field, and offensively, he’s able to generate bat speed that should eventually result in home run power as he matures and fills out. Still very young, he may be moved to third base as he rises through the organization. The Yankees don’t have much need for middle-infielders in the near future. He’ll begin 2003 in the Florida State League and could make the jump to Double-A by 2004.