Holiday Shopping

December 20, 2008

By AllStarsPlus

The Nationals picked off pitcher Daniel Cabrera on a 1 year deal according to baseball sources.

Cabrera was released by the Orioles just 1 week ago. This is the same 6′7″ Daniel Cabrera who looked to be a star as a Rookie in 2004 when the power pitcher went 12-8 and was 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting, but it has been a downhill slide from there as Cabrera has struggled with his control and had an 8-10 record with a 5.25 ERA for the Orioles this past season.

This could be a good stop-gap move for the Nats as insurance in case Jordan Zimmermann isn’t ready for the Nats rotation, but I personally hoped if the Nats picked up another starter that it would be a known commodity with a winning pedigree. I certainly don’t want to jump ahead as maybe the Nats see the power pitcher working in relief.

This signing almost mirrors the Odalis Perez deal of last year which was a 1 year deal for a pitcher with potential that underperformed. Lets hope this one turns out great for the Nats!

Posted in MLB, Players, Washington Nationals