Indians Sign Infielder Orlando Cabrera

It was reported yesterday that the Indians had agreed to a 1 year contract with 2B/SS Orlando Cabrera.

Cabrera spent 2010 with the Reds and had an average season at best. In 123 regular season games, he had a .263 average with 42 RBI’s. He, and basically the whole Reds team, was a disappointment in the playoffs when the Reds were swept easily by the Phillies.

His addition to the team is an obvious attempt at strengthening the weak infield by the Indians front office. There is uncertainty at second and third base. Cabrera is likely coming to camp with the thought that he will compete and win the job at second. I think that this signing is good and bad at the same time.

It is good because the Indians add a veteran presence to an already young team. He can also be a reliable double play partner for the other Cabrera at shortstop. (Possible superhero duo nickname?) There would be no constant lineup changes as there was next year.

The infield would finally have a set lineup with LaPorta at first, Orlando Cabrera at second, Asdrubal Cabrera at short, and most likely Jayson Nix at third.

The only thing that doesn’t quite make sense to me, is that the Indians had seemed to be making a youth movement the last few years. They traded their veterans for prospects. They called up young players such as Jason Donald and tried to fit them into the infield spots.

Now that they have Cabrera, they have to find something to do with players such as Jason Donald. They can keep them in the minors and let them become the next Andy Marte, or just release them. It will be interesting to see what the Indians do with the young players this season.

News Update: ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT.