Hardball Times Examines Robbie

by jscape2000 on May 7, 2008 6:51 AM EDT in New York Yankees Analysis

A great article up over at the Hardball Times using Pf/x data to see what pitches (type and location) Robinson is producing different results on.

Click the link to see the pretty graphs; here's the salient analytic point:

Cano simply can't lay off low and away change-ups from right-handed pitching. While he is making contact with these pitches, he is often rolling over and weakly grounding out. The change-up from a right-handed pitcher moves away from a left-handed batter and it appears that Cano is getting fooled often by these pitches and swinging even when the ball is far outside the strike zone. It also points to the possibility that Cano isn't picking up the ball quickly and thinks fastball only to swing and realize the pitch was a change-up away from him. Again, because he is getting himself out on this pitch, he is seeing a pretty hefty diet of off-speed pitches away. Cano needs to lay off this pitch if he is to get better pitches to hit.

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Game of constant adjustment

Robbie needs to adjust to the adjustment made by opposing pitchers. It’s really that simple. Better discipline at the plate would help. I’ve noticed that he seems to be guessing too much. I also agree with a point (I believe) Joe Morgan made about Robbie’s front foot coming down way too late. I really think Robbie needs to visit some tape of him hitting in 2006 and 2007 and make the needed adjustments.

Not only for the good of the Yankees, but he’s killing me on my Fantasy team.

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

by Ronster22 on May 7, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

Robbie

The guy has about as much all-around talent as anyone on the team, maybe a tad below A-Rod, who will soon start showing signs of age. Robbie is entering his prime years. Robbie’s got to get his head together if he is going to channel that talent into establishing himself as an elite player. The capability is there, but he seems to suffer from a gross lack of discipline on offense and defense. This must be corrected or he will be an enormous disappointment.

Help us Larry Bowa. You’re our only hope!

by Four Train on May 7, 2008 4:52 PM EDT reply actions