Comments on: Giving Cano what he wants

By: finite24

finite24 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:54:16 +0000

You guys are missing how the point of how arbitration cases are decided. Cano should be compared to similar players, ie. other second baseman at his age with three years of service time.

By: River Ave. Blues » The Worldwide Leader Loves RAB

River Ave. Blues » The Worldwide Leader Loves RAB — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:49:59 +0000

[...] of baseball literature: Rob Neyer actually linked to RAB. Neyer agrees with Ben’s stance on Robinson Cano’s arbitration situation, though calls the notion that Cano would be insulted by an arbitration hearing “silly.” [...]

By: Valentine

Valentine — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:35:42 +0000

In evaluating Cano’s arbitration case, you have to compare him to OTHER players with three years of service time. Jason Giambi is irrelevant to the discussion, as are Ben Broussard and Chase Utley.

For comparison, data from Cot’s Contracts:
Joe Mauer (2007) asked $4.5M/countered $3.3M
Matt Holliday (2007) signed $4.4M
Garrett Atkins (2008) asked $4.65M/countered $4.125M
Brad Hawpe (2008) asked $4.35M/countered $3.575M
Brandon Phillips (2008) asked $4.2M/countered $2.7M

A couple cases where guys got more than that (Miguel Cabrera, Justin Morneau). Many coming in at lower figures (Kevin Youkilis). Is Robinson Cano truly out of place on this list above?

By: River Ave. Blues » Fun with Baseball-Reference.com’s Play Index

River Ave. Blues » Fun with Baseball-Reference.com’s Play Index — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 05:01:19 +0000

[...] the B-R.com Play Index, you can call up those stats that used to be hard to find. Want to know, as I did recently, how a player ranks at his position through a certain age? Well, now you [...]

By: River Ave. Blues » Rockies showing the right approach to young players

River Ave. Blues » Rockies showing the right approach to young players — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:52:14 +0000

[...] Saturday, I looked at Robinson Cano’s arbitration case and decided that the Yanks should give him what he wants instead of bickering over money year after year. Today, David Pinto shares with us the news that [...]

By: RollingWave

RollingWave — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:20:40 +0000

Yeah, he improved a lot of his weakness this year, but it’s hard to tell because he average came back to normal level.

a. he walked significantly more while only struck out a tad more
b. he FINALLY learned how to hit in YS
c. he hit equally well against both righty and lefty
d. he dramatically improved hitting with guys on.

i think i’m going to book Cano in 08 (assume he stays healthy) to

a. hit over 100 RBI
b. hit over 25 HR
c. still hit over .300
d. improve his walk rate even more
e. move up the order.

By: steve (different one)

steve (different one) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:46:41 +0000

Rob, the difference in his SLG% between 2006 and 2007 is all from his BA.

his isoP stayed exactly the same. he is starting to put it all together.

he is going to rake this season.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:16:29 +0000

I’m still looking for Cano to put power and patience together.

2005 - a little power, no patience (.297 .320 .458)
2006 - more power, no patience (.342 .365 .525)
2007 - more patience less power (.306 .353 .488)

If he finally puts those together he’ll be an MVP candidate.

By: Realist

Realist — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:55:31 +0000

If Posada duplicates last year then I agree but without time at DH I am not so sure it is possible?

I agree about your point regarding Abreu , so why would he bat behind Posada and Matsui? If he isn’t 3rd he should be 5th (or vice versa)…in your scenario he would bat 7th?

I am not trying to argue , just trying to understand your logic

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:09:09 +0000

Abreu should be batting behind Posada and Matsui. But Cano is not a number 3 hitter just yet, he doesn’t see enough pitches like Abreu does.