Thinking About Robbie Cano

by jscape2000 on Nov 25, 2008 6:58 AM EST

An article by Tyler Kepner in the Times got me thinking about Robinson Cano.

Canó also made an important mechanical adjustment, scrapping the open stance he had lapsed into and reducing the movement before his swing. Long said he knew the swing would be in order when he visited Canó for six days during the week of Nov. 9, but he had no idea Canó would be in such good shape.

“He’s got a personal trainer, and he’s probably down to 10 or 11 percent body fat,” Long said. “This kid is focused, he’s determined. I’ve never seen him like this."

How important is Cano to the Yankees' lineup and to their position in the standings?

Last season, Cano batted .271/.305/.410. If he had matched his best season instead, what would the Yanks' season have really looked like?

While Cano hit an eye-popping .342/.365/.525 in 2006, I don't think of that as his best season because those stellar numbers depended on him swinging at everything and being lucky enough to have every liner find a gap. I think 2007 was Cano's more impressive season because in hitting .306/.353/.488 he doubles his number of walks and he put nearly 50 points of separation between his batting average and his OBP. OBP+ thinks the two seasons were comparable, too; 2006 registered 126, while 2007 clocked in at 120.

So, if Cano had managed to keep his OBP in the .350s rather than the .300s, could it have saved the Yankees' season?

Perhaps. In a 600 AB season, a hitter with a .300 OBP reaches base 180 times while a .350 OBP reaches base 210 times. So, if Cano's success had brought a more talented hitter to the plate I'd think sure it could matter. But Cano spent most of the season batting in front of the likes of Wilson Betemit and Melky Cabrera. Not a lot of fear there. It doesn't seem to me that moving the lineup an extra batter 30 times (even if for the whole game) could produce a drastic change in the outcome of the season.

But when I look at the advanced metrics like WARP3 (Wins Above Replacement Player), that is just what it suggests. Robbie's offense and defense were worth 6.5 wins last, when they had been 10.9 wins in 2007. 4 wins would have moved the Yankees to 93 wins, 2 behind Boston. Since the Yanks pretty much packed it in after they were eliminated, it's not a stretch to imagine picking up an extra win along the way.

Cano figures to be even more important in 2009. I think any talk of Cano batting 3rd is just posturing, and while I could see him hitting 5th or 6th, I expect Robinson to bat 7th or 8th until he proves himself again.

Damon- Jeter- Matsui- Arod- Posada- Swisher- Nady- Cano- Gardner

Damon- Jeter- Matsui- Arod- Posada- Swisher- Cano- Nady- Melky

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Comments

The idea of trading Cano

Just seem like selling low.

I think the best thing we can hope for is to stay with him and hope he plays better this year than he did last year. I hope the report is right.

Still the flaw in Arod is trying too hard, pressing. Baseball is a game that need balance emotionally and confidence.

I’m looking forward to spring.

If I's known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself. Casey

by Cbeck3 on Nov 25, 2008 9:05 AM EST reply actions

selling low is an understatement...

It sounds like Cano has got his head sewed on straight, and he’s doing his work this offseason. Hopefully that translates into a solid year.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants

by NumberSeven on Nov 25, 2008 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

Cano-Carew

I remember when he first came up, a New York sporswriter likened Robbie to Rod Carew. After examining their swings and early stats I thought it was a relatively fair comparison. But like any comparison, it can only go so far. Carew had great plate discipline, and was highly respected for the way he approached the game.

I don’t see either with Cano—especially after this year. That’s why I’m really excited to see the 2009 version of Robbie. I’m hopeful Yankee fans will see what burns in Robbie’s belly. I’m encouraged to hear reports that he’s working so hard. Good. I think he was embarrassed by last season, and is looking to re-establish himself both to ownership and the fans that the comparisons were justified.

We’d be foolish to pawn him off. I’m no economics major, but it would be akin to selling low.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 25, 2008 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Embarrassed

I remember reading that Cano was really upset that he couldn’t be part of the final All-Star game at Old YS. He really pressed (and therefore slumped) going into the break.
The mental part of the game is huge, so hopefully part of what he’s working on is figuring out how to channel his aggressive impulses. There’s no easy answer, but the great players (like Jeter, Arod, Manny, ect.) find a way to stay focussed. Jeter stays even-keeled to the point of aloof detachment. Arod takes extra BP and extra fielding. Manny never lets on-field issues detract from his life style and work ethic. I wonder which approach will work best for Robbie.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Nov 25, 2008 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

That will be ...

the most fascinating part of the Cano saga. I suspect Bowa helped him effectively channel his impulses and keep it focused on baseball. Without that influence, perhaps he sort of lost his way.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 26, 2008 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Those Lineups

They’re all making me vomit.

by Omar Little on Nov 28, 2008 4:58 AM EST reply actions

Nice find...

A focused Cano is a MUST this season… If we lose Abreu, someone has to come in and be a threat from the 3-spot in the lineup.

All the more reason to get off the CC bandwagon, put the $$ into Teixeira’s pocket and then Cano will hae less pressure on him, and could even be a trade chip for a Matt Cain-type player to help the rotation.

by Nicks2Cents on Nov 29, 2008 4:47 PM EST reply actions

I love Cano.

Just find plate discipline.

by schmosterballs92 on Nov 30, 2008 12:30 PM EST reply actions

that's the thing.....

It’s hard to just find more plate discipline once you’re in the majors for a few years. He’s gotten a little better but….
I like to hear he’s adding muscle and cutting fat, he didn’t look as strong to me last year as years previous.
Let’s give him the one horrible throw away year and hope for the best going forward.

I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby

by kdog on Nov 30, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions