List of top 100 performers in the game - MLB 2012 Update - Part 6
9. Robinson Cano
Considering his consistency and mental strength, Robinson Cano is placed at number nine on the list of top hundred performers in the game today. Cano debuted in the Majors League Baseball in 2005 and since then, he has not looked back. At the age of 24,
in 2006, the left handed striker reached new heights in his career as he batted with an excellent .342 average and .890 OPS. Following his phenomenal performances, the second baseman won his first ever Silver Slugger award in the same year.
Cano had a disappointing 2008 season as he managed to post a subpar .715 OPS, leaving his future in doubt. However, he soon realised his true calibre, and the Yankees knew what he had when they signed him into the team as a free agent. In the past three
seasons, the Dominican has displayed some high quality hitting to achieve impressive results for himself and his team. His 27 home runs, 104 RBI’s and 16.4 WAR during that period are the third best among all second basemen.
During the 2011 Home Run Derby, Cano just showed what he is capable of as he won convincingly. Securing the third Silver Slugger award of his career, he ended the season on a very strong note. Having won the 2010 Golden Glove award, Cano is thought to have
one of the best arms at second base in the game right now.
While Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter have not been able to live up to their immense potential this season, Cano has emerged as the major force in the New York Yankees side. If Cano can continue his sensational form in the year 2012 as well, he has a great
chance of winning a batting title and an MVP award.
Cano said, “It's something I enjoy ... It means you had a great season, which is what you're looking for. You get home and work hard in the offseason and you're looking forward to this award at the end of the season. ... I just say thanks to my dad [Jose].
He's the one that works with me during the offseason and helps me make sure I'm going to keep working harder every year.”
10. Evan Longoria
A loaded position few years ago, MVP-potential third basemen are hard to come by in MLB these days. Evan Longoria, however, is an exception as he produced terrific performances throughout the season for the Rays. Even when he faced so many health and fitness
problems, Longoria managed to hit 31 home runs with 99 RBI and .850 OPS. His batting average of .244 was also decent.
He said, “I definitely think with a lot of hard work, I can be a better player than I was last year, and hopefully, continue to raise the bar every year.”
Since he joined the Rays in 2008, Longoria has helped his side achieve considerable results in the MLB. In 2008, he blasted 27 home runs with 85 RBI’s and astonishing .874 OPS and he also went on to win the Rookie of the year award. Leading the Tampa Bay
Rays to the World Series, he handled the pressure absolutely brilliantly right from the start of his career.
Continued in part 7
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