Following the Cleveland Indians' offseason has been like watching paint dry. New Tribe GM Chris Antonetti has followed his predecessor, Mark Shapiro, in playing the waiting game when going after players through free agency. Finally it would seem as though Tribe fans have something to get excited about.
Although not yet confirmed by the Tribe GM, it seems as though the Indians have signed veteran infielder Orlando Cabrera. Brother of former Indian Jolbert Cabrera, Orlando has had stints with the Boston Red Sox, Oakland A's, Los Angeles Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox since departing the now defunct Montreal Expos, where he signed as an amateur in 1993.
No big deal right? I beg to differ.
Cabrera has been a solid player for almost his entire career. Last year with the Reds, Cabrera batted .263 with 33 doubles, 4 homers and 42 RBI. In 2009, with the A's and Minnesota Twins, Cabrera batted .284 with 36 doubles, 9 homers and 77 RBI. He is also a gold-glove caliber infielder.
Still not impressed?
Since being traded from the Expos to the Red Sox in 2004, Cabrera has never missed a postseason. He has made the playoffs with every team he finished a season with during that seven-year span. The guy knows how to play at a high level and he knows how to win. What more could you ask for out of a veteran brought in to help out a young but talented team?
Now the question is where do you play him? Cabrera is a gold-glove shortstop, but conventional wisdom would say that Asrubal Cabrera is staying put. Although Orlando has only played a handful of games at second base, he has the range to be a great complement to Asdrubal.
The acquistion of Cabrera will give the Indians an opportunity to fine-tune prospect Jason Kipnis in AAA. Kipnis appears to be ready offensively but seems to need a little work defensively since only being moved to second base last year. That will leave Jason Donald and Jayson Nix fighting for the job at third.
Finally, something to look forward to this spring for Tribe fans. The tandem of Cabrera and Cabrera up the middle could be fun to watch. Nicknames anyone?
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