Analysis: Orlando Cabrera signing

Orlando Cabrera was a smart sign by the front office. He is a veteran that will make all the routine plays and do all the little things you expect veterans to do.

He is good for this team this year, because we have a young pitching staff. And look at our pitchers groundball to flyball ratios last year (first number) and ground out to air out ratios (second number). (GO/AO factors in double plays.) We have 3 groundball pitchers. (As reference, here is flyball pitcher Cliff Lee's numbers .71 and .89)

Carmona 1.28 and 1.71
Masterson 1.47 and 2.11
Talbot .93 and 1.11
Carraso 1.32 and 2.11
Tomlin .44 and .49

A good defensive infield is a must for this young staff.

Orlando is a good signing for next year. Because it gives time for 2 of the following 5 youngsters to develop into MLB ready players.

2B Cord Phelps, Jason Kipnis or *Jason Donald.
3B Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Goerdart, or *Jason Donald.

Yes, Orlando won't be back next year. But by signing him this year, we avoid putting pressure on any single prospect to be ready now. (Donald should make the team now but will face competition moving forward.)