Cubs looking at Orlando Cabrera, other infielders, Levine says

Haven't seen this posted yet. Levine's been dropping the name Orlando Cabrera a few times in recent chats, and this is what he had to say today:

Questioner: You've been talking about Orlando Cabrera quite a bit in the chats lately, is this wishful thinking or do you have a lead ?

Bruce Levine: Well if you read my stuff, you know I don't make things up. Read between the blogs.

And ...

Look for the Cubs to look at Orlando Cabrera, Christian Guzman, or Julio Lugo. In my opinion, the first two make the most sense.

The second comment was in response to a question about Felipe Lopez.

I'm not sure why Hendry would make this move, unless he has very little confidence in Darwin Barney.

over 1 year ago elgato 68 comments 0 recs |

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Interesting for sure.

Baker becomes back-up 3B and 1B, with a DeWitt and Cabrera/Guzman platoon and Barney playing utility I guess. I’m not such a fan of the idea, although I have always kind of liked Guz the Cruz. (Disclaimer: not stastically based, I merely like watching him and following a little.)

by CubFan90 on Jan 25, 2011 3:48 PM CST reply actions

My response in Haiku form.

No. No. No. No. No.

No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

No. No. No. No. No.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 25, 2011 4:05 PM CST reply actions 4 recs

I'm with you.

I like the idea of taking low-risk flyers to fill potential needs. But I don’t see what potential need Cabrera could fill.

by elgato on Jan 25, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with both of you.

Unless this is a Marquis Grissom type of move, just to give the kids some competition in spring training.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 25, 2011 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

At least the Cubs don't have a bad track record in cases like this.

They could have sent Colvin to Iowa last spring and kept Millar.

by elgato on Jan 25, 2011 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

True.

My guess is, Wellemeyer will head to Iowa to be injury protection. Which, given that he has decent MLB experience, isn’t a bad thing.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 25, 2011 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

Will that cost us 800K?

by timh815 on Jan 25, 2011 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

If they sign him to a deal like that...

… he likely gets a split contract, where he’d get the MLB salary IF he’s on the MLB roster.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 25, 2011 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

Seems unlikely that Cabrera would sign a minor league deal - he's probably just working the market to find what salary he can get on a Major League contract

by ClarkFan on Jan 26, 2011 8:20 AM CST up reply actions

You're too subtle

I’m not sure where you’re going with that.

by timh815 on Jan 25, 2011 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

Why not?

We need a veteran to help usher Castro in. This is my #1 “want” (tangible) for the rest of this off-season…somebody to help bring Castro up to all-star level.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 25, 2011 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

And you think Orlando Cabrera can do that?

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 9:08 AM CST up reply actions

We just dropped $800K on Todd Wellenmeyer. I think we could spend a few on somebody like OC, yes.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 26, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

We only dropped 800 K

If Wellemeyer makes the roster. If Thomas Diamond and others outpitch him, we didn’t.

by timh815 on Jan 26, 2011 12:18 PM CST up reply actions

I could be wrong...

…but I’ve never heard of OC being described as a mentor. I’d much, much prefer to see Barney get that spot.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

Something OC Could Teach -

OC could teach Castro to call the press box to berate the official scorer for having the audacity to call an error on him.

I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"

by Ross on Jan 26, 2011 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

My point:

I want a veteran to mentor Castro. I don’t give much of two shits who it is, as long as his name isn’t Eckstein or Theriot.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 26, 2011 7:57 PM CST up reply actions

I'd rather limit

the number of ‘bad eggs’ we have. I’d rather spend the million or so he’d want on bonuses for the June draft.

I won’t meander out to the ledge either way. But I’d rather see the coaches mentor Castro than Cabrera. It’s not like OC is the Greg Maddux of MI coaching prospects.

by timh815 on Jan 26, 2011 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

We've already got that veteran.

His name is Ivan DeJesus.

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by daver on Jan 27, 2011 8:45 AM CST up reply actions

I always live your detailed insightful analyses Josh

I agree

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on Jan 25, 2011 7:43 PM CST up reply actions

well done

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 25, 2011 8:12 PM CST up reply actions

ST Invite - sure

major league contract – never
signing an over-the-hill SS to play 2nd base – pricefull

by hansman1982 on Jan 25, 2011 4:08 PM CST reply actions

i'm so confused on the conflicting payroll stuff....

we needed ownership approval for kerry wood?

then we take on Garza, trade off Gorz (add $4 million or so to payroll), give Wellemeyer (albeit a non-guaranteed, potential 800k), and would look at Cabrera??

I’m so confused.

From a pure baseball perspective, Cabrera’s probably still a bit better than Barney with the bat, and quite a bit worse with the glove (at SS), probably close in value… it would be another instance of not pinching pennies at the back-end of the roster, while suggesting being tight on the overall budget. Just confusing

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by DartmouthCubsFan on Jan 25, 2011 4:24 PM CST reply actions 4 recs

That's true if Cabrera gets a guaranteed contract.

If he does, it’s a terrible move. A minor-league deal or an invite to ST? Well, that would be inexplicable, but not terrible.

by elgato on Jan 25, 2011 4:27 PM CST up reply actions

Confusion was definitely my reaction as well.

I’d be pretty disappointed if Barney wound up in Iowa because of Orlando freakin’ Cabrera.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

NO to Cabrera

…but I’d like a ST invite for Christian Guzman…with no guarantees. Did he get hurt last year or just the Rangers didn’t use him? He was pretty decent the 2 years prior to last year.

"I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die." - Anonymous

by Easy Ed on Jan 25, 2011 4:35 PM CST reply actions

Guzman did get hurt right after the Rangers acquired him

Then they didn’t use him much, and he didn’t make the postseason roster. He had an OPS+ of 3 (that’s not a typo) in his 50 plate appearances with the Rangers, which may have had something to do with that.

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by Jody Jody Davis on Jan 25, 2011 5:47 PM CST up reply actions

I vote no on Guzman

He’s been on a steady decline since 2007.

John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.

by rlpete on Jan 25, 2011 8:12 PM CST up reply actions

Cabrera is a definite Heck No

I still like of the idea of trading for Michael Young. He is obviously out in Texas after they acquired Napoli. I know is contract is big, but he can play 1st, SS and 3rd, plus provide a bat off the bench. I have always been a fan of MY.

"The standard is the standard" Mike Tomlin

by LuvMLB on Jan 25, 2011 5:50 PM CST reply actions

That is an expensive bench player.

No way will the Cubs pay that for Young.

John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.

by rlpete on Jan 25, 2011 8:10 PM CST up reply actions

young barely has the range to play pitcher

He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA

by jesus christos on Jan 25, 2011 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

Barney

played terrific shortstop at Iowa and hit as well.

Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville

by leothelip on Jan 25, 2011 7:40 PM CST reply actions

Cabrera

hit 33 doubles, can fill in at 2B, SS, and 3B if needed, and the teams he has played for always go to the playoffs. Or at least 6 out of the last 7 seasons. Barney is a 25 year old AAA player. I would love to fill a void within the infield that actually came from our farm-system (minus Starlin Jesus of course), but a non-guaranteed contract shouldn’t ruffle an feathers.

"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."

by louslovechild on Jan 25, 2011 8:23 PM CST reply actions

Yea I was thinking...

Cabrera as a non-starter would be a coup.

by SenorGato on Jan 25, 2011 8:37 PM CST up reply actions

Cabrera hit 33 doubles.

So what? He had a .354 slugging percentage. Among all qualified hitters last year in the NL, that ranked 68th out of 74. He has no power, his speed has declined, and he’s got a bad clubhouse rep.

Usually I’m big on that “playoff experience” thing, but if he’s so good, why didn’t all those Expos teams he was on go to the playoffs when he was actually a decent player.

He’s Neifi Perez, except older and not as nice. No thank you.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 26, 2011 7:31 AM CST up reply actions

I was gonna ask about attitude myself

But I wasn’t sure. I’m good with Berney getting some ABs.

by timh815 on Jan 26, 2011 7:42 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not sure about the Expos comment.

That team had no payroll when Cabrera was on it. But otherwise, I agree.

by elgato on Jan 26, 2011 7:53 AM CST up reply actions

Same here

I’m on board with most of what Al said, but I really, really hate the logic of putting the entire burden for a team’s success or failure on one player.

by Shanghai Badger on Jan 26, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

I was trying to negate the OP's point...

… which appeared to be, “Teams make the playoffs because Cabrera is on them.” Which, clearly, is not true, and if it is, why did the Expos not once make the playoffs when Cabrera was actually good?

Obviously, there are plenty of other reasons why the teams Cabrera was on made the playoffs.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 26, 2011 8:13 AM CST up reply actions

I understand.

But I don’t think any conclusions can be drawn by looking at the success of the Expos in their last years.

by elgato on Jan 26, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

Of course, that's true.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 26, 2011 11:14 AM CST up reply actions

If only we would sign Cabrera AND Eckstein!!!!

Then we’d be on our way to the playoffs for SURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."

by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST

by fsuapollo on Jan 26, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

Ah -- I see, said the blind man...

by Shanghai Badger on Jan 26, 2011 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

The bench is awful

A veteran who can play multiple infield positions, still can hit, and is a much better late inning option than Jeff Baker, Reed Johnson, or Fernando Perez is not a bad idea. The bench on this team is awful. Kosuke, Hill, Baker, Reed/Perez, and a player that has yet to be signed to back-up first base. Pena against tough lefties is harder to watch that Fuke against tough lefties.

by louslovechild on Jan 26, 2011 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

I'd guess Jeff Baker will back up first base.

Right now, I see the bench as:

Jeff Baker 2B/3B/1B
Darwin Barney 2B/SS/3B
Koyie Hill C (grumble, grumble…)
Fernando Perez or Reed Johnson OF
Kosuke Fukudome OF (For the purposes of this exercise, I’m slotting Colvin in as the starting right fielder.)

I wouldn’t say that’s an awful bench, though I will admit that it is really missing a big bat.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions

Baker as the back-up 1B scares me.

I wonder if the Cubs would take Soto and make him a Victor Martinez type player? He plays 1st against tough lefties. Keeps the legs fresh, but it keeps his bat in the line-up and gives Pena a chance to bulk up the bench. If they did that, I would hope to see more of Wellington Castillo than Hill.

by louslovechild on Jan 26, 2011 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

I kind of doubt the Cubs would try the VMart route with Soto...

…if only because of Geo’s injury history. I agree it’s not a bad idea. And if the idea is to put a good bat at first vs. LHPs, Baker would fit the bill just fine. His career splits against lefties are quite strong.

I’ve all but given up hope about Welington Castillo making the team as the backup catcher. Everything I’ve read indicates Koyie Hill will get the job. The upside is Castillo will presumably play everyday in Iowa, which could benefit his development in the long run. Not sure what will become of Max Ramirez.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

I wouldn’t say that’s an awful bench, though I will admit that it is really missing a big bat.

Woody and Marmol may shut down the opposing team, but if we are trailing after 7, with this bench, I don’t see too many come from behind wins.

"The standard is the standard" Mike Tomlin

by LuvMLB on Jan 26, 2011 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

Yep.

Looking at that lineup makes me miss Daryle Ward.

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by daver on Jan 27, 2011 8:44 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

25 is not that old.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

That depends on what you think Barney will turn out to be.

An everyday 2B on a championship caliber team? Or, a backup SS/2B/3B on any kind of team? If it is the latter, sure, 25 isn’t that old.

by louslovechild on Jan 26, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

The latter is pretty much what I expect of Barney...

…and what, I believe, most prospect pundits have pegged him as. But that’s not a bad thing. A solid defensive bench guy is still pretty valuable. And, as I mentioned on another thread, Darwin is attending “Camp Colvin” this off-season and has reportedly put on some serious muscle. So he could surprise us with his bat.

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 1:23 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

I just don’t think a 25 year old singles hitter should stop a team from picking up a veteran. I welcome the idea of a bulked up Barney stealing the 2B job from Baker and DeWitt, but I won’t hold my breath.

by louslovechild on Jan 26, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

But if the veteran is 36-year-old Orlando Cabrera...

…what would he do better than the 25-year-old Darwin Barney? Cabrera’s probably not better defensively anymore and he’s never been a particularly good hitter — certainly not in the last three seasons. Why spend the money?

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by daver on Jan 26, 2011 2:32 PM CST up reply actions

I like Barney...

and I think he’s got good upside as a utility guy…Only reason I promoted Cabrera was because a versatile vet off the bench could really help this team, which could be very young by mid-season….maybe.

by SenorGato on Jan 26, 2011 5:20 PM CST up reply actions