Asdrubal Cabrera, the worthy All-Star
At the beginning of July, when final voting results came in for yesterday’s MLB All-Star Game, legendary New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter held a 450,000-vote edge over Asdrubal Cabrera at the position, despite a less than legendary 2011 season.
Jeter, who would eventually log his 3,000th hit but little else, was set to take part in his 12th Midsummer Classic despite ranking fifth or lower in every single statistic among AL shortstops, aside from walks.
Cabrera, in contrast, was amongst the leaders in everything from on-base percentage to doubles, home runs and RBIs.
“I’m not thinking too much about that,” said Cabrera, regarding the collective fan decision to favor the future Yankees Hall of Famer on the ballot. “I want to wait and we’ll see what happens”.
What wound up happening helped restore balance to the American League depth chart.
To rest the calf that put him on the 15-day disabled list in June and prevent risking further injury, Jeter withdrew himself from the All-Star Game, effectively making Cabrera the starting shortstop in the star-studded contest.
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It was an interesting scenario and, in the end, the more deserving candidate wound up getting the starting nod. After all, to say that Cabrera is having a breakout season is certainly an understatement.
Traditionally known for making jaw-dropping defensive plays, Cabrera has continued that trend in 2011, cameoing frequently on highlight reels around the baseball world, sometimes multiple times in the same game.
Although it’s nice to be recognized for the on-field displays, the desire to be flashy is the furthest thing from Cabrera’s mind.
“I’m just thinking about making the out, that’s the first thing you have to do. Making the out is No. 1, and that’s what I try to do,” the Venezuelan native said.
After a down year offensively last season, Cabrera has been opening more eyes this season because of what he has been doing in the batter’s box instead of what he’s doing on the field.
Cabrera has easily been the Indians’ MVP so far this season, leading the team in every non-percentage-based statistic and ranking first among AL shortstops with 105 hits and 22 doubles in 88 games. He’s also gone 12-for-13 (92%) in stolen base attempts for good measure as well.
As impressive as those numbers are, in addition to ranking second among AL shortstops with a .293 batting average and .489 slugging percentage, the most shocking part of Cabrera’s offensive turnaround this season has been his discovery of hitting for power.
In addition to leading all AL shortstops with 51 RBIs, Cabrera is also leading the way with 14 home runs, shattering his previous career-high of six back in 2009.
Having already hit a grand slam and notched a multi-home run game this season, Cabrera has been an unlikely home run leader for the Tribe seeing as the team also boasts sluggers Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana.
Aside from getting under more pitches and hitting more fly balls and line drives than he has in any other season, what’s more unbelievable is that there hasn’t been a distinct reason for Cabrera’s power outburst this season.
“I’m not changing anything, I’m just trying to do the best I can to help my team,” Cabrera toldThe Good Point.
The switch-hitting Cabrera has already showed that he has the ability to do whatever it takes to help his team win, whether it’s coming up with a home run or a squeeze bunt to win the game.
At just 25 years old, Cabrera has yet to enter the prime of his career and has, at times, drawn comparisons to Omar Vizquel, another Venezuelan shortstop who won nine Gold Gloves in 11 seasons with the Indians.
Having gone from backup second baseman to everyday shortstop, Cabrera has proven that he is a piece the Indians’ front office can build around, and his play has dictated that he’ll be registering clutch hits and making show-stopping defensive plays for years to come.
Cabrera’s strong defensive play has earned him the confidence of the Indians’ entire pitching staff every night, and that’s something that he doesn’t take for granted.
“When you see a pitcher dealing, you try to give the best defense you can. I try to help, if [they are] controlling the mound and throwing strikes, then I’ll try to get him the out.”
All he has to do now is get and maintain the confidence of the fans.
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