WHY ROBBIE IS A LEADER

What will Robinson Cano do this year? Damage, That's what. The 2010 season and the playoffs that followed last year was just a glimpse at a guy who's about to embark on a career only a handful of players can even think about having.

We learned a lot from Robbie while he came through the system early on. He was young and was easily distracted with his pal Melky Cabrera. Dare I say, he didn't take pride in the pinstripes early on. After all, Cano knew he was talented, but showed a lack of urgency in the field and at the plate and seemed too laid back at times. Then something happened... Focus.

When Melky was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Vasquez after our championship season, we noticed a more mature Robinson Cano. Something started to click. Then, I remember reading an article (HERE is a brief mention) about Alex Rodriguez in the early summer of 2010. I read that Alex had talked with Cano about leadership. He spoke to Cano about how if he wanted to be great, a leader, he needed to lead by example. Say what you will about Robbie and his talent, but I believe a combination of his playing ability, lack of distraction and alittle nudge by A-Rod turned Cano into a certified leader and star athlete. You can laugh at me and call me crazy, I'm telling you, I believe in things happening for a reason and it happened for Robbie. In 2010 his numbers were great: A .319 Average, 29 home runs, 109 RBI's and an OPS of .914.

Now we look ahead. I truly believe that Robbie's going to keep his talent flowing in 2011. His average will be above .300 again, his power will increase slightly. Why? Because he's found his groove and confidence is at an all time high. Robinson's career average is .309. That's since 2005. He's batted over .300 four out of six years in the majors. That's progress. And look, I know Robbie isn't a home run hitter, but it is clear to me that he was demonstrating a power hot streak in the playoffs last year with 4 home runs and 5 RBI's in 23 at bats. That's a .348 Average too by the way. He was 8 for 23. I believe that streak will continue this year as well. He put on a clinic in those playoffs... he's not done yet.

There have been great second baseman in our time, but if last year was any indication of what's about to happen for Cano and the Yankees, not only do I believe Robbie will be a New York Yankee for life, he'll also be one of the greatest second baseman to ever play the game. He's that good. That's not B.S., that's a fact.

You can read about all the Yankees we've analyzed so far here:

WHY WE LOVE TEX
WHY WE LOVE GRANDY
WHY WE LOVE SWISH
WHY WE WANT TO LOVE AJ...AGAIN
WHY WE LOVE CC MONSTER
WHY BRETT MATTERS
WHY WE LOVE (OR HATE) ALEX

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