After three days off, the second half of the 2008 season begins today. The pennant chase resumes, and the contenders are looking for their stars to lead the way.

Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies, the last two National League MVP Award winners, have been key contributors after the All-Star break the last two seasons. Colorado’s Matt Holliday came up big for the Rockies down the stretch in 2007, when he batted .403 with 11 home runs during Colorado’s 17-5 sprint to the playoffs.

The Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez has been a big second-half performer, en route to MVP honors in both 2005 and 2007. New York has another post-break stud, who is one of 21 major league players who have driven in 100-plus runs over the last two second halves. It’s not Bobby Abreu, Jorge Posada or Jason Giambi, but Robinson Cano, who has recorded 108 RBIs in 128 games.

Cano’s been markedly better down the stretch in both 2006 and 2007, but the difference last summer was staggering. His second-half hitting percentages a year ago were .343/.396/.557, compared to .274/.314/.427 before the break.

Among major leaguers with at least 400 post-break plate appearances the last two years, Cano leads the way with a .352 average. He’s slugged .590, with 41 doubles, 24 home runs and 81 runs scored in 128 games. Only nine players can top his 41 two-baggers in this stretch.

Cano might be a great fantasy pickup in a trade deadline deal. The Yankees need him as well, though it’s probably pitching that will determine whether the Bronx Bombers reach the postseason for the 14th consecutive year in 2008.

You’ll find a review of the top second-half performers of recent years in this week’s “Thom’s Take.” It's a season-long source of fantasy and prospect news provided as part of STATS Fantasy Advantage. SFA offers 2008 player projections, latest player injury info, team depth charts and more. Find out more or sign up at stats.com.