Hank Steinbrenner Named an Official Member of Red Sox Nation

Recently, Hank Steinbrenner had declared that the United States was still a Yankee Nation and not a Red Sox Nation.  I would probably say that more people have shared a likeness for the Yankees than that of the Sawx, so I would agree.  Now, how many of them are true fans and not bandwagon fans…I cannot say.  For his comments, Hankenstein was inducted into the Red Sox Nation by owner John Henry.  It seems like Henry got the last laugh.  Hankenstein needs to keep his mouth shut and let his team do the talking.  You would think he would take notes from his father’s public remarks.  Leave all the trash talking between the fans and the fans alone.

2B: Cano Earns Significant Raise

Robinson Cano certainly burst upon the scene a few years ago and he hasn’t looked back. He solidified his role as the everyday Yankees second baseman and is considered as a top 2-3 talent in the league at that position.

I have been amazed at Cano’s raw skills when he was first called up and he has really worked hard to refine those skills to become the player that he is today. Cano was considered to be too ‘loose’ as a player on the field and in the clubhouse, but really this is exactly what the Yankees needed. The veteran team needed an injection of youth. I would credit Wang and Cano a lot for the Yankees recent success.

Cano has a relatively effortless swing, which is always fun to watch. He also sprays the baseball to all fields in any count and hits the ball where it is pitched. At times, he tends to swing at balls out of the zone, but he makes consistent contact during the majority of his at-bats. Cano is only 25 years of age and he is still learning to become a better hitter. It has been said that Cano will someday win a batting title and has been compared to Rod Carew. That’s some nice company.

Cano has probably advanced more as a fielder than as a hitter. He has worked day in and day out with Larry Bowa to become an All-Star at 2B. Now that Bowa has left with Joe Torre for LA, let’s hope Cano keeps up the hard work. Early in his career, Cano had many critics, due to his lackadaisical play in the field. I think that Cano understands what the position of 2B entails now and he is on the same page as his shortstop. But how long will he be with Jeter, as Jeter is not the same SS as he once was.

The Yankees signed Cano to a contract extension and bought out his arbitration years during this past offseason. I am looking forward to seeing Cano progress into an even better hitter and fielder. I don’t think he has reached his full potential just yet.