I don't usually make suggestions/complaints about the lineup. That's because I don't think it really matters that much and I trust Girardi to make sure everybody gets enough playing time. Other than his infatuation with Cody Ransom, he's done a good job with that. I had this idea and I thought it would be worth mentioning.
Cano has been having a great year. His offense has bounced back to the level where he's among the top second baseman in the league again and he's playing some gold glove defense. The second half surge is in full effect and he's been on fire since the All Star Break. The one knock on him though, is that he doesn't do well with runners on base. If he's a leadoff hitter that won't be to much of a problem now will it? Here's Cano's career OPS+ in a few different situations:
Leading of an Inning- 119
With Runners On- 83
With RISP- 71
With Bases Empty- 116
With no outs- 110
With one out- 100
With two outs- 90
With 2 outs RISP- 67
Obviously, some of these stats come from a small sample size. However, they seem to back up the idea that Cano would hit better in the leadoff spot.
Their's definitely an argument to be made in the other direction, that he doesn't belong there at all. He doesn't fit the new mold of a traditional leadoff hitter as a speedster that can play some small ball and get himself into scoring position. Nor does he fit the new mold of a high on base guy that will work the count and tire out a pitcher. I'm not confident it would be a good idea myself. Its an idea though and with the way he's been hitting lately he definitely needs to get moved up in the order. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
NOTE: I think you should know I wrote this post before today's game.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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9 Comments:
I was just thinking that same thought (before today's game as well). The thing is, remember last year when Girardi said at the beginning of the season that Cano may be batting higher up in the order than he was at that time. Then he proceeded to not hit very well. I am concerned that batting leadoff will go to his head just like batting with the bases loaded would. Plus, I don't think he's fast enough (or doesn't steal well enough)
I think his rather low career OBP disqualifies the notion of him hitting lead off.
I think he'd be great in the 2-hole Because he has decent power, more than your average leadoff hitter, and will still get on base a lot. On any other team in the AL East he'd probably be a great 3 hitter as well, but I think 3 and 4 will be cemented for the Yankees for a few more years now.
I agree the low on base percentage really hurts his chances as a leadoff hitter. I always thought that Jeter was the perfect number 2 hitter, but after this year I love him as a leadoff guy. He does everything you would ever want batting leadoff.
It's funny because I was thinking much the same think. He's hitting .200 with men on, over .350 with an empty pond. However, moving him to the lead off means taking AB's away from another player (Jeter, Damon) who are more productive in that spot, and does more to help Cano than the team as a whole.
If this were a struggling team, I'd say let's give it a shot. But when we're kicking this much ass, you don't tinker with the formula. Just ask Coke.
I agree about the two hole. Depends on what happens with Damon after this year. Jeter-Cano-Tex-ARod wouldn't be a bad way to start a game eh? That would strike more fear into me than facing Damon in the first inning, disregarding his power numbers so far this year. Cano just scares me more as an opposing pitcher because of pure ability at the plate.
Also sometimes it's good to have a free swinger in this lineup, keeps the pitcher honest. If he lays one in there Cano is more likely to swing at so the pitcher has to change the way he pitches to Cano.
I think the 2nd spot will be the best for him because I don't think he's a No.5 or 6 guy because of his RISP batting average and OPS. That said he got the job done today!
If he hits second, he'll most likely be batting with a guy on first more often than one on second or third.
He's batted second before, correct? I can't remember how he did though. Anyone know?
I see him as a great 2 hitter. If the Yanks don't sign Damon next year I would expect to see:
Jeter
Cano
Tex
A-rod
The only reason I don't think he should leadoff is his OBP. You can actually say the same thing about the two-hole but he's such a good hitter, it may be a good spot for him. That said, when he's hitting he could probably hit anywhere in the lineup and the team wouldn't skip a beat.
By the way, Mike, check you email and or BBF PM.
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