Yardbarker: Orlando Cabrera

2009 Offseason: Shortstop

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:03:43 -0500

In this 2009 offseason extravaganza I plan on looking at each area of the team including, starting pitching, relievers, positional players, bench, and what ever else I feel like coming up with. In this section I'm going to covering shortstop.

In 2008 the Reds split the majority of the playing time at short among 3 guys.

Jeff Keppinger: 108 games
Jerry Hairston Jr.: 36 games
Paul Janish: 36 games

The Reds went into 2008 planning on Alex Gonzales to be their every day shortstop, but when he went down with a bunked up knee, they moved back to Jeff Keppinger. To start the year Keppinger was a hitting machine, but then he fractured his knee cap on a foul ball. After the DL trip Keppinger's numbers fell hard and fast.

Pre Knee Injury
Average: .324
On base percentage: .373
Slugging: .446
On base plus slugging: .819

Post Knee Injury
Average: .238
On base percentage: .281
Slugging: .299
On base plus slugging: .580

Just based on his seasonal hitting numbers Keppinger was well below average. Of shortstops with 300 plate appearances Keppinger ranked 11th out of 14 in the NL in Average(.267), Slugging(.356), and OPS (.664) and 14th in what many people expected his strong suit to be OBP(.308).

NL Averages for SS
Average: .260
On base percentage: .331
Slugging: .413
On base plus slugging: .744

Reds Team Average
Average: .272
On base percentage: .321
Slugging: .368
On base plus slugging: .689

Defensively shortstop was almost as bad. I really don't feel comfortable with the numbers I normally use (RZR, OOZ) for guys like Paul Janish, and Jerry Hairston Jr. because of the limited amount of time they both played there. The numbers say Hairston is pretty much terrible, and Janish is better by a pretty large margin than Keppinger, who is only slightly better than Hairston, but since the data isn't strong enough to compare them I really don't want to use them.

The obivous problem here is that Reds have no option at short right now that even warrants a big chunk of playing time. Gonzales can maybe be that guy, but he is never healthy and is yet another year older and I think his defense is largely over rated. Personally I would give Brandon Phillips a large chunk of time at short this spring to see if he can handle it and worry about replacing the 2nd baseman. Phillips bat would profile a lot better at short in case he never learns how to hit right handers, and he would have to be better than just about anyone else they have to use their right now.

Key Free Agents:

Orlando Cabrera
Rafael Furcal
Edgar Renteria

Royals Targeting Burrell and Furcal?

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:52:11 -0500

The Royals are looking to make a splash this offseason and are targeting names such as Pat Burrell and Rafael Furcal. It is hard to lure anyone to Kansas City right now, so the Royals might need to overpay to land Burrell or Furcal, both of whom are in the NLCS right now. The Royals are better off going after someone like Bobby Abreu or Rocco Baldelli because they are cheaper and could put up big numbers.

As for the infield, going after Furcal is a little far-fetched, mostly because he has already expressed an interest in staying in LA, but going after Orlando Cabrera or Mark Ellis could work. In a trade, they could go after Mike Fontenot, who hit .305 with 9 HR.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

MLB Punchlines: Jon Lester is So Money

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:49:51 -0500

The Rays advanced to their first ALCS in team history yesterday and what do you know, they have sold out the Trop for games 1 and 2. (Tampa Trib)

How about Jon Lester? He has pitched 14 innings without letting up an ER this postseason. (Boston Globe)

Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks had surgery to repair cartilage in his knee, but is expected to be ready for spring training. (Seattle Times)

With Giambi's contract off the books Mark Teixeira looks to be a perfect fit for 1st base in the new Yankee Stadium. (NY Post)

Hojo makes it known that he would like to be back as Mets hitting coach next year. (NY Post)

Brett Myers is the king of locker room celebrations, no question. (Star Ledger)

The Dodgers and Phillies have a storied history of facing each other in the NLCS. (L.A. Times)

After a disappointing ALDS either Orlando Cabrera or Nick Swisher will be gone. (Sun Times)

Mike Lowell has been deactivated for the ALCS. (Boston Globe)

Tales From The Playoff BBQ - Sunday

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:24:39 -0500

Sorry for the late post. Between staying up late to finish the Red Sox/Angels game, a day full of football and covering Kimbo Slice's loss for Ropes, Ring and Cage, it's been a busy 24 hours with a lot of written words. I need a nap.

>Los Angeles 5, Boston 4 (Red Sox lead series 2-1)
Next Game: Monday @ 8:37 pm

What Happened: Erick Aybar drove in the eventual game-winning single in the 12th inning as the Red Sox squandered a bases-loaded opportunity in the 10th, helping the Angels beat the Red Sox for the first time in their last 12 postseason tries. It was quite a night for LA catcher Mike Napoli as he hit two home runs off Josh Beckett and went 3-for-5, scoring three runs and driving in three. Jon Lester and the Red Sox now will look to eliminate the Angels Monday night or risk sending this series back to Anaheim for Game 5.

Breakdown: With all of the hubbub surrounding the Sox' streak against the Angels, it was easy to forget that LA won 100 games this season. Eventually, they were going to get one and the combination of K-Rod and Jered Weaver were enough to hold off Boston's attack, combining for five strikeouts in three innings of work. Boston left 11 men on base and continue to get next-to-nothing out of David Ortiz (.231) while MVP candidate Dustin Pedroia and painful-to-watch Mike Lowell are still looking for their first hits of the postseason.

The Big Number: The official game time was 5:19.

>Chicago 5, Tampa Bay 3 (Rays lead series 2-1)
Next Game: Monday @ 5 pm

What Happened: John Danks continues to impress, yielding seven hits and three runs while striking out seven in 6.2 innings to give the ChiSox some life in this series. DeWayne Wise doubled in two runs as part of a three-run 4th inning. Ken Griffey Jr. and AJ Pierzynski each two hits for Chicago. Matt Garza struggled for the Rays, allowing five runs on seven hits in six innings. BJ Upton hit a 2-run homer for Tampa, as Akinori Iwamura, Carlos Pena and Dioner Navarro each had two hits.

Breakdown: Just when you thought the White Sox didn't have any life, Danks comes through again and is establishing himself as a clutch performer for the South Siders. Tampa didn't look bad, but suffered a combined 0-11 from Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford and Willie Aybar. However, if Chicago is to tie this thing up Monday, Jim Thome (.167), Paul Konerko (.250) and Orlando Cabrera (.167) have to get going offensively. Gavin Floyd is getting the most important start of his career today...a city still reeling from the Cubs' latest collapse is hoping he's up to the task.

The Big Number: The White Sox have won four straight postseason games at home.

>Philadelphia 6, Milwaukee 2 (Phillies win series 3-1)
Next Game: Thursday @ Philly (Lowe vs. Hamels)

What Happened: Pat Burrell hit two long balls to pace a four home run attack as the Phillies ended the Brewers' fun season with a 6-2 win. Milwaukee starter Jeff Suppan never had a chance, getting run after three innings and five earned runs. Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth each hit homers for Philadelphia, while Prince Fielder hit a solo shot for Milwaukee in the 7th inning. Joe Blanton was fantastic, yielding just five hits and one run in six innings for the win.

Breakdown: The Brewers just plain ran out of starting pitching as Suppan was horrendous in this must-win game. When your cleanup hitter hits .071 and your leadoff man is batting .154, chances are you're not going to score many runs either, a combination for disaster. However, they made it to the postseason and if they're smart, should make a run after CC Sabathia. He brought a swagger to that club that needed it. If Fielder can figure out his diet, they have a chance to compete against next season. Philly now rolls onto to play the Dodgers in what will be a great matchup of two National League powers with plenty of history and star power. One spot of concern if I'm a Phillies fan? Chase Utley (.133) and Ryan Howard (.182). One spot of hope? Their starting pitching is unreal right now.

The Big Number: The Brewers played their first postseason game in 26 years last week.

Josh Nason started Small White Ball in 2007 and is the main contributor of content for the site. A long-time writer, his work can also be read at sites like RopesRingandCage.com, EmailMarketingGuy.com and others. He also does radio appearances and was on TV once, albeit for a lame public television game show. He can be reached at josh@smallwhiteball.com.

Cabrera to Twins?

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:51:48 -0500

According to Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins are interested in current White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera, 34, will likely not be resigned by the White Sox, even though he hit .281 with 8 homeruns in 161 games. He is pretty solid defensively, and would definitely be a leader for some of the young hispanic players in the clubhouse.A

For the Twins, it would probably cost them 7-10 million dollars annually for about three years. Cabrera is likely a fallback for several teams, so the Twins could get a bargain if they move early.A

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

The Rays-White Sox Series Is Already Pretty Intense

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:50:53 -0500

So I've been taking in the White Sox-Rays game this afternoon, and I think it actually got me interested in Playoff Baseball this year. Sure the Cubs' misery is fun and all, but yesterday just came off extremely slow paced to me. Not sure if it was the teams involved, or the good pitching performances just put me to sleep, but I just wasn't into it yesterday. Well that's not the case anymore. This game is just the opposite of that. The fans are awesome (bandwagon or not), Reynolds and Orsillo are great together (although they've had their awful moments), there are actually runs being scored, Ozzie Guillen is still crazy....and most importantly....

It comes complete with random on-field arguments sparked by Orlando Cabrera kicking dirt at reliever Grant Balfour for seemingly no reason whatsoever!

Now that's what I'm talking about! HR suggested that the two may have a history, but I think the dirt kick was in response to Balfour celebrating after striking out Juan Uribe before Cabrera came up. Either way that was pretty fun. Feel free to use this as your open thread for the night and I'll see you for a full day tomorrow.

Cabrera, Penny, Leaving Town?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:19:09 -0500

Recently, several big time players have made comments about their respective teams, meaning they will likely be finding new homes next offseason. Let's start with Orlando Cabrera, who is frustrated with manager Ozzie Guillen's latest comments about the team. Cabrera recently lashed out at the team and his manager saying that he is better than he is playing. This lead to Guillen making comments to reporters and other radio stations, most likely putting an end to Orlando Cabrera's career in Chicago. The Orioles, Blue Jays, and Cardinals are all possibilities for Cabrera, who hit .283 with 8 HR, 56 RBI, and 19 SB.A

Brad Penny, who was recently moved to the 60-day DL, cleared out his locker yesterday and is no where to be seen. While the Dodgers are not worried, no one has talked to him and it is likely he will be a free agent this offseason. However, trainer Stan Conte said he would be under the Dodgers supervision as he recovers from his injury over the next couple months. The Braves and Reds are possibilities for Penny.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Cabrera, Penny, Leaving Town?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:19:09 -0500

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

A last father-daughter trip to Yankee Stadium

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:39:28 -0500

I made my last trip ever to Yankee Stadium last night, and it brought back memories of my 25 seasons of watching baseball at the game's greatest ballpark.

It was also a night that had the potential to be a moment for a father and his daughter to share a special memory. That part was not to be - but we'll get to that.

Most New Yorkers have their own special memories of Yankee Stadium.

There's Reggie Jackson's three homers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series.

Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961.

Lou Gehrig's last day at Yankee Stadium and his long-remembered speech.

Also not to be forgotten are Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series, and other, more-recent, no-nos by David Wells, Dave Righetti, Doc Gooden and Jim Abbot.

But last night, in recalling my trips to Yankee Stadium while sitting in those blue seats one last time, I found that - other than Don Mattingly Day (which honored the only Yankee I ever really liked) - all of my Yankee Stadium memories are Tribe related.

The details are a little fuzzy and these are in no particular order, but my most-vivid memories of being at Yankee Stadium are quick blips of rather unremarkable occurrences, especially when compared to the huge moments that have made the stadium so rich in history.

I recall an afternoon game, for instance, sometime in the 80s after I had moved to NY from Cleveland. Brett Butler came to the plate with the go-ahead runner on base either in the 9th inning or in extra innings, put up an at-bat that had to be about 13 pitches long and then lashed a single up the middle for what would be the game-winner. The game meant little in the standings, but the memory remains fresh for me.

I remember a newly promoted Manny Ramirez, taking his first cuts as an Indian, lashing hits all over Yankee Stadium.

I can also recall going to an early-April game at the stadium in the early 90s. My parents were visiting from Cleveland and my dad and I went to the game.

My dad was already a bit frail, at too young an age.

On this night, the intermittent rain was as cold as ice. My dad's hands were shaking violently from the cold, but he insisted we stay - because he knew I wanted to.

We left midway through the game but stayed long enough to see a young Jim Thome loft one high into the upper deck in right field. About 30 seconds prior to that my dad said something like "everybody says this guy is going to be so good, but I don't like him much."

Dad - who came to his interest in baseball late in life - was not such a great judge of talent. But he was a great dad.

I can also recall, in roughly the same time period, a newly recalled Russ Branyan slam a line drive that hit the facing of the middle deck in right field at the stadium - taking about a second and a half to travel from home plate to the seats. He sure can hit, when he can hit.

I can remember some pretty majestic shots against the Tribe as well, not the least of which came off the bat of someone you would not expect.

It was a night game in 1987 - Indians and Yanks. Steve Carlton - in the getting-lit-up-every-night stage of his career - was pitching for the Tribe and was heading for trouble. The pitching coach at the time - whoever it was - came out to talk with Carlton who nodded dismissively. Seconds later, Yankee catcher Joel Skinner (yes, that Joel Skinner) launched a slop ball (probably Carlton's diminished fastball) so high and so far into the black, batter's-eye seats, that it nearly hit the back wall of the stadium in center field.

While I don't remember any single game or hit that stands out, I had the vague recollection that Brook Jacoby, the Tribe's 3B in the 80s did a lot of damage at Yankee Stadium. In looking it up, I find I was partially right - Jacoby had a .303 lifetime average against the Yanks, his highest BA against any team, But he also had an unremarkable 8 homers and 42 RBIs in 107 games lifetime against NY.

The Stadium, as we all know, has a reputation for rowdiness - well-deserved in the 70s and 80s more so than now, though it still has its moments.

One of those "moments" I happened to be there for:

Throw-Your-Yankee-Mini-Bats-At-Albert Belle Night.

That was the night the field was evacuated by the Tribe until they could be assured that that lovable left fielder could get through the rest of the game without that night's giveaway striking him repeatedly about the head.

Then there is the ever-present menace, which I have experienced in every one of my 25 years of attending ballgames at Yankee Stadium: Drunken 22-year-olds, not sober enough to even control their ability to speak, putting their nose to my face and spitting out "Cleveland sucks" just because I happened to be wearing a Tribe cap. That happened virtually every time I went to Yankee Stadium with my cap on, even when the Indians were not the opposition.

Then there was the one day that was - hands down - my single worst day at Yankee Stadium.

My town, in the northern suburbs, was sponsoring a trip to Yankee Stadium, again sometime in the 90s. The Tribe was the opposition that day and I showed up for the pre-bus-ride picnic dressed in my Tribe jersey. The folks from the town had their fun with me and we headed off to the game.

It was well into the 90s outside, and the humidity was up there too. One of the most uncomfortable weather days I can remember. That was the least of it.

Pretty much before I could down my first Coke, the Tribe was down by about 16 runs. The fans around me (not the ones I came with) were brutal - one peppering me with pieces of hot pretzel (WITH MUSTARD). About 19 and a half hours later, the game ended, the Tribe lost 20-something to 1 and I vowed never to return - a vow I kept until the next time I got my hands on some tickets.

My final trip to Yankee Stadium will be memorable to me for what didn't happen.

My 17-year-old daughter has idolized Derek Jeter for her entire baseball-watching life. They came to the Yankees together in 1995. Jeter as a rookie player and Katy as a six-year-old fan. She has been starstruck for Jeter ever since.

The first "real" book Katy read from beginning to end was Jeter's autobiography. And her room is a shrine to the Yankee SS. (Those of you with daughters in Cleveland, think Grady Sizemore.)

As you can imagine, Katy was thrilled when she learned on Sunday that Jeter had tied Lou Gehrig for most career hits by a player at Yankee Stadium. She was happy that Jeter tied the record, but thrilled that we had tickets for Monday night - the night he could (in her mind, would) break the record.

Her new digital camera in hand, my daughter snapped a shot of every single pitch thrown to Jeter last night - pitches that would result in 2 Ks, a pop out to 3B and a screaming liner that found its way into Orlando Cabrera's glove.

After the eighth-inning pop out, and with the Yanks up by two, the writing was on the wall. My daughter and Derek's brush with history was not to be. Her silence all the way home was deafening, and sad.

There are times, as a father, when you have to step in and make things right.

There are times when you know you could step in, but you also know it is better not to.

And then there are times as a dad when you just don't have the power to make it happen.

Last night was one of those times, and our shared father-daughter memory was not to be.

A last father-daughter trip to Yankee Stadium

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:59:45 -0500