According to Jon Heyman of SI:
orlando cabrera is headed to the #indians. good pickup for them
Jon Heyman
SI_JonHeyman
This is exactly what the Indians have been hoping to do in the off-season, and it looks like their patience finally paid off. The 36-year-old has had a long career as a member of the Expos, Angels, White Sox, Reds and A's. He is a .274 career hitter with a .715 OPS in his 14 seasons. It's been up and down, and some years were certainly better than others, but honestly, he's better than what the Indians have now in Jason Donald and Luis Valbuena. This allows Asdrubal Cabrera to move over to 2B. Plus, is there anything more exciting than the middle of the infield when both guys' last names are the same?
Cabrera hit his prime with the Angels, averaging 167 hits, 8.3 HR, 22.6 SB and a .281 average in his three years in Anaheim. All in all, Cabrera is the kind of player you can expect consistency from, even as he approaches the end of his career. He has two Gold Gloves and was lauded for his defense with the Angels and in 2004 with the Red Sox, although he did have two pretty bad fielding seasons in his career (2009-23 errors, 2002-29 errors)
The Indians had to have this kind of veteran in the clubhouse. Guys like Jayson Nix just aren't going to do it. And they desperately needed a utility guy they wouldn't have to worry about booting every ball and batting around the Mendoza line. He should come at a discounted price, as well.
This signing isn't going to set the world on fire, but they're moves the Indians need to make and moves that fans can get excited about--it's the reality of a small market club.