Asdrúbal Cabrera
Encyclopedia
Asdrúbal José Cabrera is a switch-hitting
infielder
for the Cleveland Indians
of Major League Baseball
.
After coming up through the Seattle Mariners
organization, he was acquired by the Indians on June 30, 2006, in exchange for Eduardo Perez
. Cabrera spent the remainder of the 2006 season at Cleveland's Triple-A minor league team, the Buffalo Bisons
.
Cabrera was a non-roster invitee to the Indians spring training
but was reassigned to their minor league camp March 16. He started 2007 at Double-A with the Akron Aeros
and was named to the Eastern League mid-season All-Star team. He was promoted to the Indians' Triple-A affiliate, Buffalo Bisons July 30 and then to Cleveland August 7. Cabrera made his major league debut the following night against the White Sox
, starting at second base. He was hit
less in three at-bats and scored a run
after he was hit by a pitch
in the sixth inning. Four days later, Cabrera picked up his first major league hit, a double
, against Mike Mussina
of the New York Yankees
. Cabrera's first home run
came August 18, 2007, off Jason Hammel of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
in a 8-1 victory for the Indians. Cabrera eventually assumed Cleveland's everyday second baseman job despite being a natural shortstop
, taking over for an ineffective Josh Barfield
.
In 2007, Cabrera helped power the Indians to a tie for the best record in baseball (96-66 with the Boston Red Sox
) with his late inning heroics. Cabrera batted .375 (21 for 56) in the 7th inning or later. For good luck, Cabrera wears a white beaded necklace which was made for him by his wife. In the 2007 postseason, he became the first baseball player named Asdrubal to ever compete in the American League Championship Series
.
At Progressive Field on May 12, , Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play
in MLB history against the Toronto Blue Jays
in the second game of a doubleheader. In the fifth inning, with Toronto's Marco Scutaro
on first base and Kevin Mench
on second, Cabrera dove and caught a Lyle Overbay
liner, stepped on second base before leading runner Mench could return, and then tagged Scutaro who had already passed second base. Ron Hansen
, who had turned an unassisted triple play in , was in attendance to witness Cabrera's feat.
On June 9, 2008, Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after hitting a team low .184 with 14 RBI
in 52 games. Barfield was called back up to take his place. During his stay in Buffalo, Cabrera hit .326 in 34 games with 25 runs, seven doubles, four homers and 13 RBI. He was also named International League
Batter of the Week after hitting .394, going 13 for 33, with three doubles, three homers and six RBI. Cabrera was called back up to the Indians on July 18, and has since hit .261 (30 for 115) with 3 homers, raising his season average (with the Indians) from .184 to .216.
Cabrera hit his first career grand slam against New York Yankees
' pitcher Anthony Claggett
to highlight a 14-run second inning for the Indians on April 18, 2009 at new Yankee Stadium
, and had a career high four hits and five RBI as the Indians went on to win 22-4.
He made two rehab starts on July 12 and 13, 2010 with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers
, the Indians' Short-Season A affiliate, going 2-for-6 with a walk, double, and 2 RBI in a 10-5 loss and 4-2 win at Eastwood Field
. Cabrera began his stint with the AA Akron Aeros
on July 15, 2010 for more rehab work in his recovery from a broken left forearm. He was activated from the 60-day disbaled list on July 20.
while receiving the Silver Slugger Award and the Indians Heart and Hustle Award.
, Venezuela
with his wife, Lismar, and his son.
Switch hitter
In baseball, a switch-hitter is a player who bats both right-handed and left-handed.-Baseball:Usually, right-handed batters hit better against left-handed pitchers and vice-versa. Most curveballs break away from batters hitting from the same side as the opposing pitcher. Such pitches are often...
infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
for the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
After coming up through the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
organization, he was acquired by the Indians on June 30, 2006, in exchange for Eduardo Perez
Eduardo Perez
Eduardo Atanasio Pérez, a Cuban-American is a former Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball player. He is currently the hitting coach of the Miami Marlins. He batted and threw right-handed and joined the league in after playing college baseball under head coach Mike Martin for the...
. Cabrera spent the remainder of the 2006 season at Cleveland's Triple-A minor league team, the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
.
Cabrera was a non-roster invitee to the Indians spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
but was reassigned to their minor league camp March 16. He started 2007 at Double-A with the Akron Aeros
Akron Aeros
The Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
and was named to the Eastern League mid-season All-Star team. He was promoted to the Indians' Triple-A affiliate, Buffalo Bisons July 30 and then to Cleveland August 7. Cabrera made his major league debut the following night against the White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, starting at second base. He was hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
less in three at-bats and scored a run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
after he was hit by a pitch
Hit by pitch
In baseball, hit by pitch , or hit batsman , is a batter or his equipment being hit in some part of his body by a pitch from the pitcher.-Official rule:...
in the sixth inning. Four days later, Cabrera picked up his first major league hit, a double
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, against Mike Mussina
Mike Mussina
Michael Cole Mussina , nicknamed Moose, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees ....
of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Cabrera's first home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
came August 18, 2007, off Jason Hammel of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
in a 8-1 victory for the Indians. Cabrera eventually assumed Cleveland's everyday second baseman job despite being a natural shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
, taking over for an ineffective Josh Barfield
Josh Barfield
Joshua LaRoy Barfield is a second baseman who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He is the son of former major league outfielder Jesse Barfield. Barfield was born in Venezuela during his mother's two-week winterball visit with his father...
.
In 2007, Cabrera helped power the Indians to a tie for the best record in baseball (96-66 with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
) with his late inning heroics. Cabrera batted .375 (21 for 56) in the 7th inning or later. For good luck, Cabrera wears a white beaded necklace which was made for him by his wife. In the 2007 postseason, he became the first baseball player named Asdrubal to ever compete in the American League Championship Series
American League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series , played in October, is a round in the postseason that determines the winner of the American League pennant...
.
At Progressive Field on May 12, , Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play
Unassisted triple play
In baseball, an unassisted triple play occurs when a defensive player makes all three putouts by himself in one continuous play, without any teammates touching the ball . In Major League Baseball , it is one of the rarest of individual feats, along with hitting four home runs in one game and the...
in MLB history against the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
in the second game of a doubleheader. In the fifth inning, with Toronto's Marco Scutaro
Marco Scutaro
Marcos Hernandez "Marco" Scutaro is a Venezuelan professional baseball shortstop with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. A native of Yaracuy State, Venezuela, Scutaro formerly played with the New York Mets , Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays...
on first base and Kevin Mench
Kevin Mench
Kevin Ford Mench is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...
on second, Cabrera dove and caught a Lyle Overbay
Lyle Overbay
Lyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...
liner, stepped on second base before leading runner Mench could return, and then tagged Scutaro who had already passed second base. Ron Hansen
Ron Hansen (baseball)
Ronald Lavern Hansen is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
, who had turned an unassisted triple play in , was in attendance to witness Cabrera's feat.
On June 9, 2008, Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after hitting a team low .184 with 14 RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
in 52 games. Barfield was called back up to take his place. During his stay in Buffalo, Cabrera hit .326 in 34 games with 25 runs, seven doubles, four homers and 13 RBI. He was also named International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
Batter of the Week after hitting .394, going 13 for 33, with three doubles, three homers and six RBI. Cabrera was called back up to the Indians on July 18, and has since hit .261 (30 for 115) with 3 homers, raising his season average (with the Indians) from .184 to .216.
Cabrera hit his first career grand slam against New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
' pitcher Anthony Claggett
Anthony Claggett
Anthony Paul Claggett is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-Career:...
to highlight a 14-run second inning for the Indians on April 18, 2009 at new Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, and had a career high four hits and five RBI as the Indians went on to win 22-4.
He made two rehab starts on July 12 and 13, 2010 with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers
Mahoning Valley Scrappers
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are a minor league baseball club based in Niles, Ohio, a city in the valley of the Mahoning River. The Scrappers play in the Pinckney Division of the Short-Season A classification New York - Penn League and are affiliated with the Cleveland Indians Major League...
, the Indians' Short-Season A affiliate, going 2-for-6 with a walk, double, and 2 RBI in a 10-5 loss and 4-2 win at Eastwood Field
Eastwood Field
Eastwood Field is a minor league baseball stadium located in Niles, Ohio, United States. It is currently the home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Cleveland Indians affilliate in the New York - Penn League....
. Cabrera began his stint with the AA Akron Aeros
Akron Aeros
The Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
on July 15, 2010 for more rehab work in his recovery from a broken left forearm. He was activated from the 60-day disbaled list on July 20.
2011: Breakthrough Season
Cabrera had a breakthrough season in 2011, when he emerged as a potent offensive force in a injury-plagued Indians lineup. Cabrera hit 25 home runs and drove in 92 RBIs, both career highs. He also hit for a .273 average and stole 17 bases, while making several highlight plays at the shortstop position. For his heroics he has earned his first All-Star appearance2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 82nd in-season exhibition game between the All-Stars of the National League and the American League ; the leagues composing Major League Baseball. The event was held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, home of the...
while receiving the Silver Slugger Award and the Indians Heart and Hustle Award.
Personal life
Cabrera resides in AnzoáteguiAnzoátegui
Anzoátegui State , is one of the 23 component states of Venezuela, located in the northeastern region of the country. Anzoátegui is well known for its beautiful beaches that attract many visitors. Its coast consists of a single beach approximately 100 km long...
, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
with his wife, Lismar, and his son.