Cabrera shines in the Winter league

by John Amato on Dec 17, 2005 3:53 PM EST in New York Yankees News

Watching Melky play center field for the Yanks last year was very painful indeed. He was supposed to be our best defensive outfield prospect, but flopped around like a player who never caught a fly ball before. This Winter:

Cabrera, a 21-year-old Dominican, is playing for Las Aguilas Cibaeñas this winter. Cabrera is hitting .298 (25-for-84) with six doubles, one triple, 11 RBIs, five stolen bases and an impressive .375 on-base percentage through the first 31 games of the season.

I thought it was a big mistake for the Yanks to promote the 20 year old up from Trenton-Columbus and thrust him in the spot that DiMaggio called home. He hit .211 (4-for-19) with no RBIs with us and I thought that experience could have ruined his chances of ever playing in a major league uniform. He wasn't just bad, he was awful. These types of embarrassing experiences have destroyed "many-a-player" before him. This is great news for the kid and shows a mental toughness that I didn't know he possessed.

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The improved plate discipline is welcome news, but the .393 SLG in a league that is, at best, AA-quality is a little bit troubling.

by nycfan @ Pinstripe Alley on Dec 17, 2005 5:11 PM EST reply actions

I've seen

Jeter have hot streaks that last longer than the entire winter league. Now if he'd struck out that many times in more ABs, I'd be excited. This is related to the sabermetrics thread; the sample size is too selective (too small with too many questionable/unknown pitchers) for me to buy it.
I agree it's nice to see him still fighting the good fight, but if he ever plays in Yankee Stadium, it's at least 3 years in the future.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Dec 18, 2005 1:56 AM EST reply actions

Gotta Agree with Bill Nye on this one

I saw Cabrera play against the Norfolk Tides the day before he was called to the big club. I recall he made a great defensive play in the of that may have saved the game. He also made a terrific throw to third base that would have cut down a greyhound.

That said, it was at the plate that I didn't see that same prowess. Frankly, he looked alittle overematched by the Tides hurler.

At 20 or 21, I don't think there are too many hitter ready guys available. Having played in the winter league, and Bill Nye the science guy is correct--the level of play isn't MLB quality, but rather at the AA to low AAA level.

Let Melky season, and stay away from Johnny Damon.

by 22Ronster on Dec 20, 2005 3:07 PM EST reply actions