The Captain's Blog

Robinson Cano has already become one of the best 2B in Yankees history...

In the eighth inning of yesterday’s 12-6 victory over the Royals, Robinson Cano recorded his 1,000th career hit with a run scoring double off reliever Victor Marte. Contrary to repeated published reports that Cano was the “third fastest ‘homegrown’ Yankee” to reach the milestone (although sourced to Stats, no publication defined what was meant by “homegrown”), the Yankees’ 27-year old second baseman was actually the sixth fastest to accomplish the feat (based on number of at bats).

...but still has more of a climb to pass Tony Lazzeri.

Whether third or sixth, Cano’s rapid ascent to 1,000 hits is still very impressive. In fact, when using a prorated 2010 hit total of 213, Bill James’ “favorite toy” projects that Cano will reach 2,471 hits by the end of his career. Although most Yankee fans would probably consider that a modest prediction for the sweet swinging Cano, it would still place him fourth on the all-time Yankees hit list. The favorite toy also gives Cano a 22% of reaching 3,000 hits, which, if accomplished in pinstripes, would have him join Derek Jeter (assuming the Yankee Captain does not suffer a catastrophic injury or sign with another team during the off season) as the only player in franchise history to reach that mark.

By any measure, Robinson Cano is on his way toward being considered the greatest second baseman in Yankees history. With only Tony Lazzeri, and perhaps Willie Randolph, still ahead of him for that honor, it seems like a forgone conclusion that with good health Cano will eventually attain that distinction.

Below is a look at where Cano’s march to 1,000 hits stands in franchise history, as well as a snap shot of how he compares to other Yankees’ second basemen.

Fastest Yankees to 1,000 Hits (based on at bats)

Source: Baseball-reference.com

Yankees Second Basemen* with 1,000 or More Hits

*Based on at least 75% of all games played at second base.
Source: Baseball-reference.com