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December 09, 2005
Cano To CF?
From the Post:
Yesterday afternoon, Cano offered to move to the outfield if it will aid the Yankees' quest for a world championship. And although he knew of no master plan to shift him, the 23-year-old second baseman sounded genuine — and almost enthusiastic.
"I just want to play everyday," Cano said after announcing an endorsement partnership with Spalding in a Manhattan restaurant. "If I have to play center field, I don't care . . .
"If they ask me, I'll do it."
I think this is just a case of a rookie having a loose/stupid tongue when left alone with too many members of the media. But, just for the heck of it, can a 2B move to CF?
Well, we know that Craig Biggio did it in 2003 - and it's still questionable as to how much range he had in CF. But, he was 37-years-old when he did it - so, maybe he gets a buddy pass here.
Tim Raines and Roy White, if I recall correctly, were moved from being minor league 2Bs to the OF at the big league level. Yes, they became left fielders - but that was because of their lack of arms and not their foot speed.
Hank Aaron was sorta a 2B/OF before he became a full-time OF. But, he was not a CF. Speaking of Braves, I know that Ron Gant made the switch from 2B to the OF - and I think he was a CF at the time of the switch (and then later became a corner OF).
Now, a couple of 3Bs (at first) became pretty good fielding CF in their time: Chet Lemon and Amos Otis.
So, what about Cano? Well, it's not like he's Orlando Hudson with the glove at 2B. Yes, he's not Soriano-bad. But, he's not so golden there that a move would be a waste.
However, it's Cano's "Manny Trillo" throwing style that tells me such a switch could be a problem. Guys who were a 3B, like Lemon and Otis, were used to throwing over the top. Cano's natural tendency to flip the ball might mean that he would have to reset his primary thoughts on throwing. And, would he be able to make that translation and then have the arm that's needed for CF?
There just seems to be too many loose and moving parts to the equation of Cano playing CF. If we were talking about LF, like White and Raines, I would say that it's possible for him to switch. Player center, and playing it well, is a whole other story.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at December 9, 2005 10:41 AM
Comments
Hank Aaron played 293 games in CF.
According to the defensive spectrum, it's easier to go R->L than the other way around. Meaning it's possible that Cano can make the switch to CF.
[ - - 1B - LF - RF - 3B - CF - 2B - SS - C - - ]
In the other thread, you claimed a player can be taught how to throw, so there isn't a problem there. Anyway, how many CF'ers in either league (historically as well) have an above average throwing arm?
Posted by: Raf ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at December 9, 2005 11:57 AM
Jeez Louise, it was probably only a passing comment, there's NO evidence something like this has even been considered by management
If he said "No, I won't switch positions" you'd be getting on him about that.
Posted by: RICH at December 9, 2005 12:00 PM
Was I getting on him? Didn't I say that it was probably just nervous chatter?
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at December 9, 2005 12:54 PM
Manny trillo throwing style...lol
Posted by: Jason O. at December 9, 2005 01:29 PM
Gulp, could it be the team asked Cano about moving to CF because they wanted Nomah for 2B?
Posted by: rbj at December 9, 2005 01:58 PM
Gulp, could it be the team asked Cano about moving to CF because they wanted Nomah for 2B?
========
I don't think the team asked him to move, Cano was just talking. Steve speculated on why it couldn't happen, I countered with why it could
This is something like a couple of years ago, when Sheffield offered to move back to 3B after Boone blew out his knee.
Just throwing ideas out there, nothing official has been announced
Posted by: Raf at December 9, 2005 02:38 PM