Position Analysis - Middle Infield

Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano pair up to form one of the most impressive middle infields in all of baseball. Second and third respectively in the AL batting race last year, both men will look to pick up where they left off last year.

There isn't many better than Derek Jeter when it comes to clutch batting situations. He has enough power to hit 20-25 home runs a season, but uses all fields to hit for a high average as a prototypical two hitter. He excels at sacrificing and the hit and run. Jeter is coming off his third gold glove award and continues to play excellent defense. His range comes from mainly good positioning and he avoids bad hops. He charges balls well and has a strong arm.

Robinson Cano has developed into the best second baseman in the league in only two seasons. He has a natural inside out swing and very quick hands. He uses the entire field and will eventually see some of his numerous doubles turn into home runs. He smokes fastballs and is an exceptional mistake hitter. Cano will get plenty of RBI opportunities behind the many OBP machines ahead of him in the lineup. Doesn't steal many bases, but is a developing and quick baserunner who makes an occasional costly mistake. His defense improved immensely last season, perhaps due to his work with infield coach Larry Bowa. Robinson moves well to both sides, has soft hands and a strong arm.

Miguel Cairo will be the first, and really the only option off the bench. He is a natural second baseman who can play all four infield positions and handle the occasional outfield assignment. Cairo offers little with the bat, but his flexibility in the field makes him valuable to the Yankees. If Andy Phillips makes the team out of spring training, he could also see the occasional inning at second or third.

A definite strength for the Yankees, they'll be expecting (and getting) a lot of production from the middle of their infield, barring injury. Jeter should have another MVP-caliber season batting between Damon and Abreu and Cano should continue to improve on his already impressive numbers.