Cleveland Indians' Asdrubal Cabrera Should Get Second All-Star Appearance

Cleveland Indians' 2011 All-Star Asdrubal Cabrera should be on his way to his second consecutive All-Star appearance in 2012.

Cabrera had a breakout 2011 season with 165 hits, 32 doubles, three triples, 25 home runs and 92 RBI with a .273 batting average in 604 at-bats.

His strong 2011 performance earned him a two-year contract extension on April 1 for $16.5 million. The new contract will keep him in Cleveland through the 2014 season.

In addition to being named an All-Star in 2011, Cabrera won a Silver Slugger Award with a career-high slugging percentage of .460. Also interesting to note, he was hit by 11 pitches in 2011, which also was a career high.

As of Opening Day, he has three hits, one home run and one RBI in 11 at-bats with a .273 batting average. Once the season gets rolling, Cabrera will likely put up numbers that either match his numbers from last season or even surpass them.

In 2011, Cabrera made numerous plays at shortstop that were worthy of highlight reels. He also stole 17 bases and earned the Indians' Heart and Hustle Award.

With a little time to warm up to the new 2012 season, Cabrera will likely become a feared and intimidating batter. When the time comes to decide on which players will be named to the All-Star team, no one should be surprised to see his name on the list.

The 2011 season may have been his breakout season, but 2012 should be stellar for Cabrera.