Orlando Cabrera

by Blyleven Curve Ball on Nov 4, 2010 2:29 PM EDT

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ben_reiter/11/04/reiter.50.free.agents/index.html?eref=sihp

In the article on the other side of that link the author suggest the Pirates might pick up Orlando Cabrera to provide an alternative to Ronny Cedeno, and to provide leadership. I sincerely hope that does not happen. I would prefer the Pirates to take a fliers on guys like Chris Young or Rich Harden. Maybe they won't get back to their pre-injury level, but I think it would be a better way to waste cash than Cabrera. That said they may not be "down" enough yet to consider playing in Pittsburgh.

Any other opinions? Some of the team shifts the author suggest seem a little ridiculous; of the 40 guys he thinks will change teams aparently 25% of them will go to the NL West.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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Comments

I wouldn't touch Harden at this point.

I think his arm’s cooked.

I don’t love Cabrera, but it’s not out of the question that he’d bounce back a bit next year.

by Vlad on Nov 4, 2010 3:00 PM EDT reply actions

I’d rather have Orlando Cabrera than Chris Young or Rich Harden, because Cabrera is much more likely to be healthy and play well (or at least improve defense and OBP over what we have).

by Adam Reynolds on Nov 4, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Kevin Correia

I’d take a nice long look at him. The walk rate spiraled this year, but he was a good bit unlucky. I think he’d be a solid bounceback candidate.

by BurgherKing on Nov 4, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Cabrera

Should come dirt cheap. He would be a fine utility infielder/ push Cedeno for the starting job. So I’m fine with it, as long as he isn’t the marquee acquisition of the offseason.

by Pghfan987 on Nov 4, 2010 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

he is a veteran that could provide some leadership

he has played on some winning teams and can still hit pretty decent, and field well enough. I think he is the right type of veteran for the team

Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all

by Rickfansince76 on Nov 4, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I have

zero problems with cabrera, so long as its one year and its fairly cheap. I always thought he was a little underrated, and def think he’d be a decent improvement over cedeno. That said, I’d rather see them spend money elsewhere.

by Waxy Case on Nov 4, 2010 3:52 PM EDT reply actions

Cabrera

would essentially be a sideways move. I’d be fine with it, if he’s gonna be the backup SS, but I don’t particularly care… The best case seems to be a 730ish OPS. The OBP isnt going to be much of an upgrade over Cedeno, most likely.

by BurgherKing on Nov 4, 2010 3:52 PM EDT reply actions

And I'd rather have Cabrera as our fifth infielder

than Delwyn Young.

by Pghfan987 on Nov 4, 2010 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

A for the day.

Cabrera sound slike a perfect guy to sign and flip for prospects at the deadline, a la Dotel. That is, of course, provided he shows on the field that he has value to a contender.

by theatrain on Nov 4, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Cabrera's defense

Wasn’t it just a few years ago that his defensive rating was dead last in the AL, I believe when he was on the chisox.

by ballparkfranks on Nov 4, 2010 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

His year-to-year defensive ratings have been very up and down.

He has a history of moderately serious back problems, which could partially explain it.

by Vlad on Nov 4, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

then we should go for the infield de quadfecta

mike sweeney, andy laroche, cabrera, eric chavez… this way we can get fly ball pitchers so that our infielders dont have to bend over

by white angus on Nov 4, 2010 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

O. Cabrera

I watched a lot of Reds games this year, and his range looked diminished. He’s also not much of a hitter. It’s hard to gauge the effect of leadership, but I think 105-loss teams need talent first and foremost. Adding washed up veterans is a sign of desperation. I’d rather the Pirates stick to the plan and find a young SS.

by bolton on Nov 4, 2010 9:49 PM EDT reply actions