Reds sign Orlando Cabrera to one-year deal
Posted on January 31, 2010
Orlando Cabrera of the Oakland Athletics takes batting practice before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California on Saturday, April 25, 2009. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
The Cincinnati Reds signed shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a one-year deal worth $4 million on Saturday. The 35-year-old Cabrera hit .284 with the A’s and Twins last year and has proven to be a consistent hitter over his career.
Orlando Cabrera #18 of the Oakland Athletics turns a double play at second base against the Arizona Diamondbacks as Diamondbacks base runner Ryan Roberts #14 is forced out at second base during the game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 24, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
Cabrera joins a long list of players who have signed one-year deals this Winter as this is becoming a growing trend in today’s baseball economy. Gone are the days when journeyman ballplayers would get multi-year deals. The days of players like Aaron Rowand getting five-year deals are long gone. The money will still be there for the elite ballplayers, but everyone else is scratching and clawing for one year contracts, with some guys looking at early retirement if they can’t find a job in the next few weeks.
Orlando Cabrera of the Boston Red Sox bats during Game 2 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park in Boston, MA on October 24, 2004. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I have always enjoyed photographing Cabrera, both at the plate and on the field as his flashy play always makes for nice pictures. He has a real nice long finish in his swing and looks great from third base (see above) and turns some nifty double plays at second base. I enjoyed shooting him in Oakland last season for the few months that he wore the green and gold.
Orlando Cabrera of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim makes a play at shortstop during a game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA on April 16, 2005. (Photo by Brad Mangin)
I am looking forward to shooting Cabrera next month as the Reds play their first Cactus League season in Goodyear, AZ. I know Reds skipper Dusty Baker is looking forward to returning to Arizona for spring training. I hope Cabrera ends up being a good fit for Dusty’s club. Dusty can use all the help he can get.
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