The Cincinatti Reds have signed journeyman shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a one year deal worth $3 million with an option for the 2011 season. This signing is a great improvement for the Reds who have had trouble having a consistent offensive attack. Cabrera will be an excellent table setter for the Red legs this season. The consensus seems to be that Cabrera will hit second. The Reds will enjoy having his consistant .280 average in place for Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen to drive in. This does regulate Paul Janish who is known for his glove to the bench but Cabrera’s glove is nothing to worry about and his offense is easily better. Janish will be an excellent back up defensively.
Cabrera has bounced around a lot as of late playing for the Expos, Red Sox, Angels, A’s, White Sox and Twins which makes you wonder if there isn’t a slight attitude problem with him because his numbers are good. He had a run in with the White Sox managerial staff when he allegedly called the official scorer during a game to have an error he committed changed to a hit. That doesn’t sound like much of a team player but he will be playing for Dusty Baker who is one of the best known players managers in the game. Baker definitely know how to stroke a players ego and douse fires when the erupt in the clubhouse having dealt with Barry Bonds all those years in San Francisco.
This signing is another positive step in the right direction for the Reds. Walt Jockety is putting together a very competitive team in the Queen City and I would not be surprised to see the Reds stick with pack in the National League Central this season. Cabrera by no mean puts them over the top but he does add an upgrade to the offensive without hurting the defense up the middle.
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