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Don't be surprised if Orlando Cabrera to second base experiment works out

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Having been a shortstop for his entire career, new Indians player (we’ll call him middle infielder for now) Orlando Cabrera will give way to the uprising Asdrubal Cabrera. But manager Manny Acta will find a way to get Orlando on the everyday line-up card; by switching him to second base.

And it should work out too. Sometimes, these switches, as minor as they seem, can be difficult on a player depending on their capabilities and limitations. Orlando Cabrera was an above average caliber shortstop because of his hands; he rarely boots ground balls and aim is normally on target with his timing on schedule. Range is a key component that most shortstops must possess, and being on the tail end of his career, range is no longer Orlando’s forte. But in moving across the diamond, Orlando’s bat will be in the order every day. Cabrera has hit .280 or better eight times in his career, and has done so in five of the past six years.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.