Robinson Cano

From SoSH

Robinson Cano is the current 2b for the New York Yankees

Career in the Bronx

Cano was signed as an amateur free agent in early 2001, at the age of 18. He worked his way up the Yankees farm system and eventually replaced the pedestrian Miguel Cairo after Miggy signed with the New York Mets in 2005. Cano's debut with the MFYs in 2005 was a success, as he broke into the regular lineup in May. After an OPS+ 106 season, Cano finished second in the 2005 American League Rookie of the Year balloting to Athletics closer Hutson Street. The MFYs went on to lose the 2005 ALDS to the Angels. Cano posted numbers that were generally in line with his 2005 stats, so he escaped the wrath of Mario from Queens, Tony from Younkers, et al. in Yankee-blaming discourse.

2006 would be Cano's banner year. Batting .342 for the season, Cano garnered an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. Considered by many to be a "virtual lock" for the 2006 World Series, the Yankees lost in the 2006 ALDS to the upstart Detroit Tigers. Cano choked in the series, knocking in two hits in a total of 15 at bats. Though many praised his overall body of work, never was the term "Jeterian" even remotely considered about his postseason play.

2007 was a strange year for Cano. Although his numbers were fairly similar to his 2006 campaign in terms of OPS+, his batting average and slugging declined precipitously. In the 2007 postseason, Cano sought to claim the throne of Jeter. Posting the highest OPS on the team and hitting two home runs in a losing cause to the Cleveland Indians, Cano made up for his 2006 performance in spades. Many, such as Johnny from White Plains, hoped that the ALDS would mark Cano's resurgence.

But 2008 marked Cano's nadir. posting career lows in almost all categories, Cano helped end the MFY's playoff streak through his craptacular display of ineptitude at the two-bag spot.

True Yankee?

Cano, as one of the few current Yankees who came up through the farm system, desires to be that man of men, Bronx emperor, spoken of only in hushed tones as an immortal "True Yankee." However, his recent play has almost precluded that possibility. Should Cano revert to his 2006 numbers, calm his eyes and tip his cap, he has a chance of obtaining the mantle of champions. As others asked, and Robinson can only answer, "how good is Robinson Cano?"

Awards and Achievements

• 2006 American League All-Star.
• 2006 American League Silver Slugger at 2b.
• Runner-up 2005 American League Rookie of the Year