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A-Cab article

by mcrose on Jun 13, 2007 3:45 PM EDT

Was asked to re-post this on its own, a nice article on Asdrubal:

Corrected link here. [Jay]

And here's his current player stats.

Might as well expand into general ob's...

A-Cab has probably had the best '07 season of any Tribe prospect so far. He has performed almost exactly as you would wish a future ML shortstop: he has fielded his position with consistency and flair, he has shown good instincts and awareness as "captain of the defense", he has been an ideal #2 hitter, has gotten on base well and stolen bases efficiently, and he has shown a little pop to boot. Not to mention he's 21 yrs old at AA.

Sound familiar? Yes, its eerily like Omar, except that Cabrera is showing offensive capabilities at a far younger age. Where does he go from here? Well, to Buffalo first, thus postponing a FO decision on what to do with him when he's ready to play with the big boys. Ideally, he gets his AAA time and becomes the Tribe's UT before any final decision is made. He is equally as proficient at 2B and certainly could handle 3B as well. With a year left in his development, and with Peralta, Barfield and Marte all still maturing, there are a lot of future scenarios in play.

Personally, assumimg A-Cab develops along the lines he's shown this year, I'd eventually want him at SS. But that's just me.

BTW, "Asdrubal" is one of those great latin names that retain the association to, well, latin times. I beleive it means "Ba'al helps". Or "Ba'al is an ass", one. Most famous Asdrubal: Hannibal's brother, who played 2B for the Carthaginian Berserkers before jumping on an elephant and sacking Rome.

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Re: A-Cab article

Isn't A-Cab just an injury away from stepping up to the big club? Suppose Peralta goes down for the year. Maybe Rouse moves in full time at SS. That leaves an open spot for a utility guy. Rouse won't be able to produce at JP's level which will either force a trade or, depending on how the club is doing, force a move from within. We're not going to go out and get a young superstar to take JP's spot, knowing that he could be back next year and that we have A-Cab progressing nicely.

I suppose, though, in my hypothetical, you could bring up Luis Rivas instead. I'm not sure what point that would be making.

by BoDiaz1974 on Jun 13, 2007 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I think they're going to hold Asdrubal down for the year, regardless. I think you're right that you'd see Rivas or Inglett (or a trade) instead of Cabrera. His developmental timeline has been really screwy and the Indians seem committed to normalizing it. Bringing him up to be a utility guy is just as bad as Seattle pushing him to AAA as a 20 year old.

The vibe I get is the Tribe think they have something here, a starter in the middle infield as a most likely case scenario. They don't want to screw that up because they need a utility guy for a season that's probably lost because we lose one of our 4 best offensive players.

It might be my vibe that I'm putting onto the Indians. I don't want to see him up any time soon.

by afh4 on Jun 13, 2007 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I agree he won't be up this year at all. It's a long shot he spends any appreciable time in Buffalo. The whole and only reason Rivas and Luna are still around is to answer the call if JP or Barf get hurt.

But after he pays his AAA dues, whenever that is, I have no objections at all to him being used as the UT on the big club, like Aybar was this year for Anaheim. Defensive plus at 3 positions, switch hitter who can take a walk and steal a base - great to have on the bench, as well as getting gradually introduced to ML life and competition.

by mcrose on Jun 13, 2007 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Best thing about Rouse is that he removes any temptation to rush Asdrubal. They'd start Rouse at shortstop for weeks or months and use Rivas/Luna as a backup or short side of a platoon. Rouse, for all the abuse he gets, probably at this moment is as good of a hitter as Asdrubal is.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Please post the correct link to that article. Thanks.

by ploni on Jun 13, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

So if he continues his progression, I could see something along these lines ...

Late 2007, move up to Buffalo, but most likely a full year in AA.

2008, full season in AAA, maybe a DL fill in, with a cup o coffee in Sept.

2009, makes it as utility, backs up 2B, SS and 3B.

2010, becomes starting SS, flanked by Marte and Barfield. My guess is Jhonny moves to 1B or is dealt for another hole somewhere else.

If AsCab forces the decision earlier, then Jhonny/Garko decision comes earlier.

Also, this is all predicated on Marte, JP, and Barfield sticking around all those years.

by talonk on Jun 13, 2007 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Unless the return on Jhonny was ridiculous, I would much rather trade Barfield.

Also, the first link still doesn't work.

by Joe. on Jun 13, 2007 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

That could happen, since he'd be on his arbitration eligible years then. But I'd be very happy with a Peralta, Barfield, Cabrera, Marte infield. And with Grady in center, we just need to solidify LF, RF, C, and DH. Although I expect Vic to end up at DH at that point if he's still around. Who knows, if Shoppach keeps it up, we may only need those corner OF spots.

By the way, preseason Baseball America had this as the following projected lineup in 2010:

C-McBride, 1B-Vic, 2B-Marte, 3B-Marte, SS-Peralta, LF-Crowe, CF-Sizemore, RF-Choo, DH-Pronk, SP-Sabathia, Miller, Sowers, Lee, Westbrook, CL-Sipp

I doubt both CC and Pronk are still here. AsCab has pushed to make it as SS, moving Peralta elsewhere. Sowers, Lee better right themselves quick. I'll expect Lofgren by that point. And I doubt Sipp makes it as closer. But all in all, looking very good.

by talonk on Jun 13, 2007 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I like the idea of Martinez being a canidate for DH if Shoppach pans out as a full-time catcher. Kind of obvious, but I hadn't thought that far ahead yet, I guess.

by Pronk33 on Jun 13, 2007 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

doesnt that team seem a little lite power wise? I'm not saying get a high strike out hr hitter but don't you think a bit more pop is needed?

by world dictator on Jun 13, 2007 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

If that really is the lineup, I think we'll be expecting to get 60 HR out of Marte and Sizemore and another 60 out of Martinez and Hafner.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I think there's a real likelihood that Barfield is the one who gets traded. He's going to hit arbitration in 2009, and he's repped by Scott Boras, who has almost never done any kind of club-friendly lockup deal. So it won't be surprising if we see some club make us an offer we can't refuse before the 2010 season, when he's still under control for two more years.

But of course that also depends on Marte, and on other prospects coming up at those three positions.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I would say that is a very cautious timeline. I can't see having him spend a year as a backup, if he's performing at a decent level.

by dgcambridge on Jun 13, 2007 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Tried to edit the diary to insert the correct link. The link text looks fine, but clicking on it still takes you to the wrong place. Not sure what I did wrong in the edit.

Anyhow, here's the original link to the article:

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Double-A+stop+agrees+with+shortstop&articleId=f a88065c-4f45-4dd6-967b-bef840376cae

by mcrose on Jun 13, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I fixed both links -- there was something weird about that first one, not sure what exactly. But it seems okay now.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Thanks - it seemed I had to edit the html, and when I cut and pasted, it retained the original link plus the new one concatenated together. I'll have to read up on diary editing.

by mcrose on Jun 13, 2007 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Assuming Marte, Peralta, and Barfield continue to be productive, why not move Peralta to a corner outfield position when A-Cab is ready? That way you are not moving those three out of a position they are already fielding very well. And, it would give us some pop at a corner outfield position, which the last few weeks have certainly showed a need for. Of course, this would happen in, what, 2009? That's looking pretty far down the road.

by KeithHernandez on Jun 13, 2007 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I agree. Depending on how Peralta has developed offensively (I'm assuming he'll bulk up a bit more and show an increase in his power stats) when A-Cab is ready, I'd probably move him to the outfield before I trade him.

by Pronk33 on Jun 13, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I think they're less likely to move Peralta to the OF than they are to move Victor to 1B. This organization puts a lot of value at having a premium hitter at a defensive position, and like Blake before him, Peralta looks like a very ordinary player once you move him to an OF corner.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

My suspicion is that Marte is going to end up sucking and we'll see Peralta at third.

by notsince48 on Jun 13, 2007 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Peralta may look "ordinary" in a corner OF spot, but he also looks better than ALL of our corner OFs this year, with the assumption that he isn't a defensive liability.

by one size more on Jun 13, 2007 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

On one hand, that's true -- runs are runs are runs, and Jhonny is a better hitter than Dellucci this season any way you square it. But lineups are a question of opportunity cost, not raw production. Jhonny the shortstop, outhitting other shortstops, has tremendous trade value. Jhonny the left-fielder has about as much trade value as, I don't know, maybe an Adam Lind.

Put another way: If we wanted somebody Adam Lind-ish enough, we could probably swing a reasonable deal. Could you imagine trying to trade for Peralta if he were a Blue Jay? They'd be asking for Chuck Lofgren and change.

I just re-read your comment, and if all you meant to do was bitch about Nixon and Dellucci, then I support that 100% and apologize for my contentious tone.

by fleerdon on Jun 14, 2007 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Actually the Blue Jays would love to have JP - I believe they've inquired about him before. And if I could snap my fingers and have A-Cab fully ready to go, I'd trade Jhonny for Rios in a heartbeat.

by mcrose on Jun 14, 2007 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I wouldn't. Jhonny's value FAR exceeds Rios's value.

by Joe. on Jun 14, 2007 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I know I'm probably in the minority on that scenario, but I've just never liked Jhonny as our SS. Even back in the day when he and BP were sharing infield duties at Buffalo, I thought they were playing the wrong positions and JP should learn to play 2B.

I understand the value aspect when a player's offense exceeds avg for his position, but I'd much rather have great D from short and move the slugging to the OF where it belongs (slightly tongue in cheek).

Plus I've always been a Rios fan - he's one of the better defensive OF's in the game and is only going to keep getting better at the plate. We'd finally have our corner OF who can smack righties and lefties in the heart of the order and our defense would be vastly improved at two positions, one the most important defensive spot.

So if A-Cab magically had his timetable sped up, I'd pull the trigger on that trade - if the Blue Jays insisted on adding a pitching prospect to make the percieved value equal, so be it!

by mcrose on Jun 14, 2007 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Right on the button. If you've got an above average (offense) SS and a below average corner outfielder the net gain is less than zero.

I'd much rather have a Omar defensive-type at short - make that Neifi Perez - if I can balance that with Rios in left.

Peralta's offense plus is negated by our poor corner outfield hitting. I'd trade Peralta for Rios in a heartbeat - but the Blue Jays would hafta have Bavasi running the club to do it.

Sometimes you just gotta be lucky

by mauichuck on Jun 14, 2007 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Actually Shapiro would have to be Bavasi (or apparently you) to accept that trade. Rios is only slightly edging Peralta in offensse while playing the less valuable defensive position. Not to mention Peralta is a full year younger.

by Joe. on Jun 14, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Remember this post. I willing to bet that in 2-3 years Rios is an All-Star outfielder while Peralta is an average or slightly above third baseman. Time will tell.

Sometimes you just gotta be lucky

by mauichuck on Jun 14, 2007 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Until your 26-year-old corner OF has more career HR than my 25-year-old SS, there is no debate. Once that happens, we'll talk.

Jhonny also has almost double Rios' walk rate, and factoring in park effects, has a higher OPS+ this season. Factor in the age and the fact that Rios seems to be peaking this season, and you should realize that Peralta almost has to have more upside as a hitter.

by Jay on Jun 14, 2007 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I'm curious - why would say Rios is peaking this year? Seems like he's just coming into his power, with his primary slugging years ahead of him. I would think his obp would start improving as well with pitchers respectng that.

by mcrose on Jun 14, 2007 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

If you wait until Rios is a better offense player than Peralta they'll (BJ's) never make the deal. If you want to pull the trigger on a decent third baseman for a AS caliber OF you do it before the OFer is great - not after. I see Rios as an AS and Peralta as slighty above the league average third basemen in the years ahead.

Sometimes you just gotta be lucky

by mauichuck on Jun 14, 2007 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

mcrose, it's not about your feelings about Peralta or Rios. The fact is, Peralta is the more valuable of the two, and it would be irresponsible for a GM to accept receiving only Rios in a deal for Peralta. So if you like that deal, at least get them to throw in a good reliever or prospect or something!

by Jay on Jun 14, 2007 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Oh yeah, I'd still negotiate!

But I think you get my point - if Asdrubal can in fact be Omar Redux, I'd rather have him at short than JP. If Jhonny can then be moved for a stud OF (plus whatever else), it would be a net plus for the team.

I'm not a Jhonny hater, I've just never been comfortable with him manning the premium defensive position.

by mcrose on Jun 14, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

OK, sounds good, Vic-1B, 2B-Barfield, SS-AsCab, 3B-Marte, LF-Peralta, Cf-Grady, RF-??, C-McBride/Max, DH-Hafner .... I like it

by talonk on Jun 13, 2007 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

McBride isn't even hitting well in Low A right now. You know how people say that you should disregard a 21 year old's stats in Low A (a la Goedert)? Well if that 21 year old isn't even hitting well, well then he ain't a prospect.

by Joe. on Jun 13, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

McBride's defensive exploits, or lack thereof, haven't been well publicized. He was touted as a plus defensive catcher, but he has been having a lot of trouble with passed balls and steals as far as I can tell. He did have a shoulder injury last year that he was working thru, not sure if that's contributing.

But he's been ok at the plate - doubles power, decent avg and obp.

by mcrose on Jun 13, 2007 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Is McBride tearing it up? No. But he isn't sucking either. A .280 avg, 801 OPS (19 2Bs), 24/30 W/K ratio is pretty decent.

Besides, I also listed Max and had earlier mentioned Shoppach as a possible starter at C in 2010. All could be the guy. Or not.

by talonk on Jun 13, 2007 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

McBride hasn't earned his way into any projections, even speculative ones. He's behind Toregas and MaxRam in my view, and they're not particularly visible on the radar, either.

by Jay on Jun 13, 2007 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 about McBride!

Hello everyone,

I agree that McBride isn't tearing it up, but he's definitely not sucking either, and until very recently (like the last 2 weeks,) he was hitting well above .300, so maybe he's tiring a bit or focusing more on his defense, which has been more problematic than I think most were expecting from him. His defense right now is more problematic and questionable than his offense at this point in my opinion.

Just my 2 cents. :-)

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Jun 14, 2007 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I would say an .800 OPS at Low A at 21 is sucking it up. Especially a sub .450 slugging.

by Joe. on Jun 14, 2007 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

As I said, those numbers were considerably

higher recently; plus, catching is still not a power position - you don't have to have that high of a slugging percentage if you have good to great defensive skills, something McBride COULD develop because he reportedly has the tools to develop them.

In all cases, it's too early to judge him - this is only his first full professional season, which he's not even halfway through yet. It seems he's in a bit of a lull of late - let's see if he can start hitting like he did for the first 6-8 weeks of the season when his numbers across the board (BA, OBP, SLG) were all considerably higher.

Just my 2 cents. :-)

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Jun 14, 2007 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Kudos to Craig N. Liadis. Not Drub's hometown paper, either.

If we hadn't made that trade, we'd have a whole lot fewer middle-infield options.

ken from alexandria

by ken from alexandria on Jun 13, 2007 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

I think one of the strength's of the Indians system right now is that we don't have any obvious, gaping holes on the big-league club and we probably won't in the next 2-3 years. Under these conditions, we don't have to throw young prospects into the pressure of the big-league team (like Peralta/Phillips in 2003). Instead, prospects have the opportunity to "play their way on" (Peralta in 2004-2005).

Ideally, Cabrera will continue his production at Akron and Buffalo and by this time next year he will have forced his way into both the short and long-term plans for Cleveland. If Cabrera could provide above average offense and speed, while providing well above average defense at short, he would force Cleveland to make a move with Peralta. But again, it would be a forced move out of organization strength, not out of organizational weakness, and one for which a variety of options exist (position switch for Peralta/trade). It also provides another layer of insurance for the possible failure of guys like Marte or Barfield to develop, an ever present reality of baseball.

by APV on Jun 14, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Sometimes you just gotta be lucky

by mauichuck on Jun 14, 2007 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

Re: A-Cab article

Kevin Goldstein at BPro just had a feature on updates on the AL Central's prospects. There was no mention of Cabrera. Strange.

by oxforddave on Jun 14, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

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