Thus, it is obvious as to why the Indians made the move to demote Cabrera. He likely was still not a finished product and needed some more time. But, with an eye on the future, the Indians must find out if the man nicknamed “Astro-Cab” can readjust himself to major-league pitching.
Since the demotion, he has hit .363 in 80 at-bats for Buffalo. He has played mostly shortstop, leading some to believe that his recall will be to his natural position. Though, Eric Wedge states that the reasoning for the move to short was to just get him some reps there, since he had been playing second base so much.
Shortstop is likely in his future, but that decision will be made at a later date and not this season. If it were to happen, you would see it next spring, so that Jhonny Peralta would have a chance to get himself ready for a new position. Regardless of position, Cabrera is in the Indians' plans for the future.
You need a great up-the-middle defender when your team is based so much on pitching. All the Indians need from him is a serviceable bat. He will never hit a ton of home runs or steal a lot of bases, but what he will need to do is get on base and move runners along.
When his next attempt will come is the question right now. Jamey Carroll is doing a solid job filling in at the position in the meantime. Maybe Carroll will be traded, or maybe Cabrera comes back up to fill in for a struggling Carroll. Whatever it is, he needs to be brought back up and thrown back into the fire at some point. The Indians need to learn what he is made of.
3. Outfield: Can Choo/Gutierrez provide a solid platoon in right field?
While I firmly believe that either of these two, Shin-Soo Choo and Franklin Gutierrez, is destined to be a fourth outfielder, the Indians need to find out. And together, maybe this platoon could work out.
We have seen the great potential that Gutierrez possesses, but it has been far and few between. It typically comes against a left-handed pitcher, which he has a career .269 average against and .475 slugging percentage. Against right-handers, it is .243 with a very poor .329 slugging percentage. After looking at that, you can see why he only needs to be used against left-handed pitchers.
When not in the starting lineup, Gutierrez can still be used late in games as a pinch-hitter against left-handed pitchers, a pinch-runner, and a defensive replacement. A player with these skill sets is a very valuable asset to any team. The key is to know that the player needs to be utilized this way, which I believe Wedge and the Indians have now found out.
Choo is also an excellent platoon option. He has a career .186 average against lefties, and .281 average against right-handers. This compliments Gutierrez’ splits quite well. Together, they should team up to hit a cumulative .275 with 15-20 home runs.
But can this happen, is the question. Choo is still early in his return from Tommy John surgery and needs some extra days off now and then. Also, he, like Gutierrez, does not have a very good eye at the plate, striking out a near 25 percent of the time. It is tough to keep any average up with so many strikeouts.
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6 months ago
I definitely agree with you on the Cabrera deal. He's hitting awfully bad this year, but I think he has a chance to come back next year with avengance if he works this offseason.
6 months ago
First two points, couldn't be more right.. I'd like to see this lineup with both Barfield and Cabrera.. That's gonna be impossible though if we wanna find out about Marte.. BAH
We'll probably see Chootierrez for the rest of the year. But I'd rather stick Francisco in right field, move Franklin as the full time 4th outfielder who gives guys a break with a left hander on the mound and comes in as defense late. We've got plenty of guys in the outfield in the minor leagues if we can't get a major league ready outfielder.
As painful it is to watch him pitch, we do need to see if Sowers has what it takes. Give him the rest of the year and if he fizzles, move him in the off-season.
Jensen is starting to find himself in Buffalo.. I think it might be get him up here soon. He would be my ideal choice to throw into the closers roll. Him or Perez. Maybe give Stevens a few chances. Trade Joe, cut Scott and Rick and just bring in the youngsters. You are spot on.
from 6 months ago
I love it! Chootierrez....In the long run I would much rather see another take over one of the corner outfield spots instead of this platoon. I believe neither is much more than a utility outfielder. And Gutierrez is more valuable because of his speed and defense. But right now, lets see how it does over the remaining 80 games. Maybe even bring up Crowe in September to get a solid look. He will be in the mix for a staring spot very soon, likely next spring.
I agree on the bullpen moves. I didn't state here, but I believe Joe needs to be moved on, but I don't know if we could trade him. He will likely finish out the season and leave via free agency, but lets hope Shapiro can find any sort of deal. Also Elarton and Bauer now have no reason to be up with the season pretty much over.
6 months ago
The indians just need to get rid of Marte. He has been a burden for us the past couple of years. The talk in Cleveland is moving Asdrubal Cabrera to shortstop (his natural position), and moving Jhonny Peralta to 3rd base. With this, it would more than likely make Casey Blake available. The Indians have a lot of players that are going to get some offers at the trade deadline, and this could be a fresh new team with 3 or 4 new everyday position players for the start of the 2009 season.
from 6 months ago
Why get rid of Marte at this juncture? We've held onto him this long, with the season over I'd at least like to see what he can do full time. At least find out so it's not a total waste. We've got nothing to play for.
Not gonna happen this year if it does.. they'd prefer not to move Peralta.. If they do end up doing it, it won't be till the off-season. Jhonny wasn't exactly the greatest third baseman.
from 6 months ago
Nino- I agree with you on everything except the Marte deal. I don't see them making such drastic changes at this point in the season. Casey Blake is only signed with us through this year for $6.1 million, a couple million more than I think he deserves. Why not test the trade markets with Blake?
Andy Marte is making barely the league minimum. He's a CAREER .189 hitter with only 6 home runs. I would hesitate to do this first option, but, like you stated, make him your everyday third baseman at least for the time being, the other option being send him to Akron or Buffalo and see if he can get his swing back. I think, no matter what, this is his do-or-die year. The Indians have been waiting and waiting for him to reach his full potential and I believe that he is not going to do it based on what I am seeing.
Jhonny's not the greatest shortstop either. Peralta is only earning $2.25 mill this year and is signed through 2011. He may not be the best hitter either, but a lot of times it seems like he's one of the ones getting the clutch hits.
6 months ago
I hope you guys get things figured out over there. The AL Central isn't really the same without your boys contending. (I sure would've appreciated a better showing against the Sox :D)
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