Friar Fridays: Shortstop

Feb 18, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) poses for a picture during the Padres photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Last week’s edition of Friar Friday’s looked at third baseman Chase Headley. Let’s move over just a bit for this week.

This week on Friar Friday’s we’ll take a look at the shortstop position. The only real option that the Padres have at short is Everth Cabrera. Cabrera was recently in the news for being linked to the Biogenesis investigation that is on-going within the MLB. He and the Padres’ front office believe that everything will check out okay and they’ll be able to put it all behind him. Putting that aside, let’s look at the base stealing shortstop’s season last year.

After starting the season with Tucson AAA, he hit .333 and had 15 stolen bases. The Padres decided to call him up after only 34 games. With the Padres, he hit .246 with an on-base percentage of .321. Not to mention, he led the National League in stolen bases with 44. 2012 was the third time he appeared in games for the Padres. His best season at the plate came back in 2009, when he hit .255 with an OBP of .355.

Cabrera is still getting adjusted to the majors, even after three stints in the MLB. His career average in the minors is .292 while his career average in the majors is only .240. Cabrera isn’t a power guy by any stretch, but he hit 19 doubles last season and managed to drive in 24 runs. Cabrera will likely hit in the lead-off spot this season in hopes that he’ll be able to steal bases and be an easy target for Chase Headley to drive in.

Just last month, Cabrera signed a new contract with the Padres. He’s set to make $1.27 million this season compared to his $495,600 last season.

As for other names circulating around the shortstop position, there aren’t really many. Logan Forsythe could step in and take some reps if the Padres need him to. Other than that, there really isn’t anyone the Padres have tossed into the mix. They seem pretty set on Cabrera being the guy at shortstop despite the PED allegations.

Tune in next week for Friar Friday’s when I take a look at the catcher position and talk about the possibilities after Yasmani Grandal. 

You can follow Matt on Twitter @Welch1048.