New York Yankees' 2012 Season Outlook: Robinson Cano

The New York Yankees' second baseman, Robinson Cano, has emerged as one of the best players in the MLB today. His consistency has helped give the Yankees the kind of success that they have had in recent years.

He is an all-around player that will be crucial for the Yankees once again next season. Here we will take a look at this star infielder as he looks to stamp himself as an elite player in 2012.

History

Robinson Cano made his MLB debut in 2005, basically because Tony Womack couldn't handle New York. This was the start of what has been so far an incredible career. Cano has spent his entire career with the Yankees and has played himself into the heart of their lineup, alongside star players Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira.

Cano's stats with Yankees

Total: 1,053 G, .308 AVG, 144 HR, 621 RBI

Average: 150 G, .308 AVG, 21 HR, 89 RBI

Average (last 3 seasons): 160 G, .314 AVG, 27 HR, 104 RBI

Health

Robinson Cano has played in at least 159 games in each of the last five seasons. He has been one of the Yankees' most consistent and durable players recently.

In 2007, Cano  was placed on the disabled list for the only time in his career with a strained hamstring. He has been able to stay healthy otherwise. There is no reason to believe that Cano will not play in almost every single game in 2012 for the Yankees.

Monthly Predictions for 2012

I think this is going to finally be the year that Cano breaks the 30 home run mark. He should drive in more runs and get more hits this year as he will most likely hit third this season. Expect a huge season from Cano as he is in his prime.

March/April

Totals: .299 AVG, 26 HR, 79 RBI

Average: .299 AVG, 4.33 HR, 13.17 RBI

2012 Prediction: .302 AVG, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 106 AB, 32 H

May

Totals: .278 AVG, 15 HR, 102 RBI

Average: .278 AVG, 2.5 HR, 17 RBI

2012 Prediction: .282 AVG, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 110 AB, 31 H

June

Totals: .309 AVG, 19 HR, 84 RBI

Average: .309 AVG, 3.17 HR, 14 RBI

2012 Prediction: .337 AVG, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 101 AB, 34 H

July

Totals: .325 AVG, 23 HR, 103 RBI

Average: .325 AVG, 3.83 HR, 17.17 RBI

2012 Prediction: .311 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 103 AB, 32 H

August

Totals: .305 AVG, 33 HR, 122 RBI

Average: .305 AVG, 5.5 HR, 20.33 RBI

2012 Prediction: .318 AVG, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 107 AB, 34 H

September/October

Totals: .329 AVG, 28 HR, 131 RBI

Average: .329 AVG, 4.67 HR, 21.83 RBI

2012 Prediction: .327 AVG, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 98 AB, 32 H

Overall 2012 Prediction:

.312 AVG, 34 HR, 122 RBI, 625 AB, 195 H

Awards and Achievements

I predict that Robinson Cano will win the AL MVP award. He will also be elected to the All-Star team for the fourth time, win the Silver Slugger award for the fourth time, and win his second Gold Glove award.

This season, Cano will hit his 150th career home run and his 300th career double. He will also end 2012 just short of 1,500 career hits.

If you enjoyed this, I have completed 2012 outlooks on the following Yankees CC Sabathia, Nick Swisher, Mark Teixeira, Ivan Nova, Curtis Granderson, Mariano Rivera and Raul Ibanez.