Is Cabrera for real?

by Maize n Brew Dave on May 14, 2008 11:26 PM EDT

As a Birds fan stuck in Chicago, I don't get the opportunity to see that much of the Orioles. So unfortunately I've gotta cheer thru ESPN and the boxscores.

I'm thrilled to see Cabrera get off to a great start, but I'm wary of getting my hopes up. I've been on Cabrera's band wagon every year for the past four years, only to get knocked off it by yet another 3 run homer. Is he for real this year? My dad still lives in DC, but he's much more forgiving than I am, says Cabrera's finally pitching to his ability rather than trying to blow past every batter.

Should I get my hopes up? Help!

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Yes

Get your hopes up. It’s fun!

You gonna catch the O’s at Wrigley this year.

"We’re not concerned about what other teams think. I know teams come in here thinking we’re playing the Orioles. And then 9 innings later, they got the loss, they know what we’re about." ~Adam Jones

by Stacey on May 14, 2008 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

After years of getting my hopes up...

and getting kicked in the teeth for doing so, I’m a little wary. ;)

I’m keeping my fingers crossed on Cabrera.

I’ll be at the Tuesday game, actually. Live right around the corner from Wrigley.

by Maize n Brew Dave on May 15, 2008 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Cool

I’ll be at the Thursday game. I’m in Maryland but my bro lives in Chicago so I figured it was the perfect time to visit him. I’ve seen the O’s play the White Sox a number in Chicago a couple of times.

by Stacey on May 15, 2008 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Cabs

Is he for real this year?

From Rosenthal:

A scout who witnessed Daniel Cabrera’s three-hitter against the Royals last week called it, “the best-pitched game I’ve seen all year.” Cabrera was throwing 95 mph in the ninth inning, but what impressed the scout the most was that the 6-foot-9 right-hander commanded his sinker, getting 18 groundball outs. “No way they trade this guy,” the scout said. “He was like (Roy) Halladay, that’s how impressive he was.”

For this year, I think the answer is yes. I’ve heard other people point this to nifty power sinker as Cabrera’s new weapon. He’s controlling it quite well and he’s inducing a lot of ground ball outs (3 DP today). I’m not sure if Kranitz taught this pitch or simply refined it, but it’s a beast. He pitched a decent game w/o striking out a lot of people. Beyond this year, I’m not quite sure. I’ve always felt that Cabs could turn in one good season but that’s it. I’m not sure why Cabs is able to control his power sinker so well. Normally batters just wait for Cabs to lose his control and then sit on his fastball. But he’s been able to control his sinker well enough that guys have to swing and they’re pounding the ball into the ground. For now, I’m thinking this new found control is a temporary thing but we’ll see.

Wolf, wolf, wolf.

by birdman on May 15, 2008 12:31 AM EDT reply actions

oh snap

What’s up, Dave? I’m a big fan of Maize N Brew—I’m an O’s fan/Wolverines fan myself.

Man, get your hopes up. I’m in the same boat. I’m giving in. Why the hell not?

Camden Chat
Bad Left Hook

by Scott Christ on May 15, 2008 3:07 AM EDT reply actions

I was totally in agreement with you on Cabrera before this season started..

and a few games into it.

The dude is using his height and the pitches he feels most comfortable with. As much as I always try to temper my optimism, especially with Cabrera, he just pitched a pretty decent game against the Red Sox – and most of those guys have seen Cabs before.

Props to zknower’s prescience.

by Y Not on May 15, 2008 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions

props to Rick Kranitz. And not to Leo mazzone.

by zknower on May 15, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

D-Cabs is the real deal

He’s capable of pitching a no hitter and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does it this year!

by floridaoriole on May 15, 2008 3:57 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the info guys!

All right. Hopes… officially inflated.

SC – Glad to be here! The new platform is making it so much easier to get to, and keep up with, everything here at CC. I’ll be around!

Go Birds!
Dave
Maizenbrew.com
Because Football is Better With Beer

by Maize n Brew Dave on May 15, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions

Daniel Cabrera is and will continue to be terrible

And don’t jinx him by saying otherwise.

"Whether your name is Gehrig or Ripken, DiMaggio or Robinson, or that of some youngster who picks up his bat or puts on his glove, you are challenged by the game of baseball to do your very best day in and day out. That's all I've ever tried to do."

by spike2131 on May 15, 2008 2:01 PM EDT reply actions

K-Law's take

RGG (NYC): Daniel Cabrera has figured it out; True or False?

Keith Law: (2:13 PM ET ) How about "he's figuring it out." Getting control was step one, but that's not the whole picture.

Wolf, wolf, wolf.

by birdman on May 15, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

Keith Law hates everybody

but i agree with him for now. Cabrera is still prone to opening up on his approach (7 walks three starts ago, anyone?).

but he has looked in much better control of not only his pitches, but of his emotions. something clicked finally that said “I don’t have to strike every single guy out”. don’t know if it was internal, the natural aging process, or Kranitz.

by Dave at Bottomfeeder Baseball on May 15, 2008 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Look you jackass. You have great potential (in case no one has told you that) but you gotta get yer head outta yer ass. What good is throwing 130mph if you don’t know where it’s goin’.? You ain’t gotta strike everyone out. Just trust your stuff. Likewise, you ain’t gotta throw 130mph. Take a little bit off of it, trust your stuff and let those fuckers hit the ball a little bit. Control what you got and you’ll get a lot more outs. Now get out there and quit fuckin’ around. They’re ALL your bitches, and your their Daddy. Go get ‘em.