Say No to Robinson Cano

Sep 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners paid a ludicrous sum to acquire the services of Robinson Cano last offseason for ten years.  While Cano is a very good ballplayer, he is neither worth his contract or his fantasy cost.

In 2014, Robinson Cano was significantly outperformed at second base by Jose Altuve, Anthony Rendon, Brian Dozier, and Dee Gordon.  Ian Kinsler was also probably a better fantasy option at the keystone position than Robinson Cano.  In fact, you may have even preferred super utility man Josh Harrison with his scorching hot second-half of the season.

At best, Robinson Cano was a top 5 second basemen.  He will still be selected in the top 20-25 players in the vast majority of fantasy baseball leagues next season, but his status is based on his name value, numbers he put up in New York, and his high batting average.  Cano will be an effective fantasy option for sure, but he is not the type of guy you want your team built around.

Unless you play in a league with Astros fans, there is a very real chance that Cano will still be the top second bagger drafted in 2015.  Do not be the person to take him that high.  Jose Altuve will offer far more production at a similar price and the same can be said for Anthony Rendon.  Beyond that, the other aforementioned second basemen could give you strong numbers without paying a premium for a thin position.

In New York, Cano was the benefactor of a short porch in right field and a tailwind that pushed the ball outwards.  Now, Robinson Cano has to play in spacious Safeco Field even though they moved the fences in prior to last season, but his home run total of 14 is not what you are looking for from a high draft pick.

Robinson Cano is still a great baseball player, but you are paying for a name, not numbers.  In 2014, Cano scored 77 runs, hit 14 homers, drove in 82 RBI’s, stole 10 bases, and slashed .314/.382/.454.  He put up solid numbers in 2014 and he may very well be better in 2015, but is that really what you are looking for with your second round draft pick?