Thursday, February 10, 2011

Cabrera to Cabrera ... Double Play

The Indians have agreed to terms with SS Orlando Cabrera.  Terms have yet to be released, but I would expect this to be a major league deal.  That would be just the second for the Tribe this off-season.  Expected Orlando to play short and Asdrubal to play second, where the Indians and I agree that his defense is much better.  So, with a week until Spring Training, one of the gaping infield holes has finally been filled.  I'm still going with Jared Goedert at third (following a .440 spring), but the last time I made such a bold prediction, I did have to eat a lot of crow.  As long as it's not Nix and, if he wins the job, Donald can field the position, I'm fine.

O-Cab is 36 and is coming off of a down year with the Reds that was riddled with nagging injuries.  He brings presence and intangibles to the table.  A consummate professional, Cabrera is a winner, taking home a WS ring with the Sox in '04 and advancing to the post season in each of the past 4 seasons (with 4 different teams).  Still, let's not go all Lonely Island to the Sixth Sense.  His career OPS is .715 (below average) and in his last full season at short (2009) he made 25 errors.  I am a huge fan of the signing, but let us, please, not build the guy into a titan and then piss all over him when he proves human (see Kerry Wood).

Cheers.

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