The New York Post reported that second baseman Robinson Cano is working out down in the Dominican Republic and is chiseling up for the 2009 season.

Amazing what some trade rumors and the possible free agent signing of second baseman Orlando Hudson can do for a little motivation huh?

After three impressive first years with the Yankees since his rookie year in 2005, Cano’s numbers dropped in just about every major category last year:   

At Bats: 617 to 597
Runs: 93 to 70
Hits: 189 to 162
Doubles: 41 to 35
Triples: 7 to 3
Home Runs: 19 to 14
RBI: 97 to 72
BB: 39 to 26
Steals: 4 to 2
AVG: .306 to .271
OBP: .353 to .305

The only statistical category in which Cano improved was his strikeout total which decreased from 85 to 65.

There is no question that Cano possesses the hitting ability to become a batting champion as he has good power to all fields and the ability to hit with two strikes. However, if he does not learn to walk, he will never become an elite Major League player.

Last year could have been an off year for Cano. Every major leaguer player has them. But the underlying question with Cano will always be does he have the drive, dedication and focus to become and remain one of the best?

The future will only tell. For Cano’s sake, let’s hope that is in New York.

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