Robinson Cano (born October 22, 1982 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic) is a second baseman in Major League Baseball, who currently plays for the New York Yankees. He was named after Jackie Robinson by his father. His father José Cano played in the major leagues in 1989, pitching in six games for the Houston Astros. The elder Cano was drafted by the Yankees in 1980. Robinson Cano grew up in the Dominican Republic, where he played both baseball and basketball in high school. After graduating, he was signed by the Yankees in 2001 and began playing in their minor league system. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming well-regarded.
During the 2004 season, he was rumored to be part of a trade between the Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Randy Johnson, which was to occur before the trade deadline. No trade occurred, but the Yankees would get Johnson in the offseason while keeping Cano. This would prove to be a good move. Due to a rash of injuries, he was called up to the Major Leagues on May 3, 2005 and has been a steady player, taking over at second base for Tony Womack. Cano is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the Yankees system, and finished runner-up in the Rookie of the Year balloting while taking over second base and hitting .297 with 14 home runs and 62 RBI.
He has been compared to a young Rod Carew, formerly of the Minnesota Twins.
