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Scrappers benefit from Cabrera stint
Scrappers benefit from Cabrera stint
By JON MOFFETT
Niles
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Asdrubal Cabrera
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The Scrappers' Chase Burnette rounds first during the second inning of Tuesday's game against the Hudson Valley Renegades at Eastwood Field.
There were a lot of fans — and players — who were excited about having Asdrubal Cabrera play for the Scrappers during their latest home series.
But perhaps none of them were more thrilled than Scrappers manager Travis Fryman.
“They watch him and they learn,” Fryman said. “They’ll learn more by watching someone like him who they’re glued to than by listening to me for a week.”
Cabrera, the Cleveland Indians shortstop, finished his rehab stint with the Scrappers on Tuesday. He fractured his left forearm in an infield collision during a game May 17.
Cabrera played twice for the Scrappers, and will head to Akron to continue his rehabilitation.
“It’s been pretty good for me, and I’m really excited and just ready to play,” Cabrera said.
Cabrerea played his natural shortstop position in Monday’s game, and was the designated hitter Tuesday. Cabrera said his arm “feels good” and he is ready to rejoin his teammates in Cleveland.
But while his minor league tour is to assure the Tribe of Cabrera’s health, Fryman said he’s using the big-leaguer’s presence as a teaching tool.
“It’s always good four our guys to get a look at what a major-leaguer looks like, and Asdrubal is a good major league player” Fryman said. “I remember my first year [as manager] when Fausto Carmona was here and in the same situation. Everybody just stood around and watched.”
Fryman added that the players marvel at Cabrera’s size and technique.
“With Asdrubal here, these guys can see can what they’re working for, striving for,” he said.
And having a real-life example helps some players flip the switch, Fryman said.
“We learn three different ways: visually, auditory and kinesthetic,” he said. “And they’re hearing me.”
Fryman joked that watching Cabrera play is probably more entertaining than listening to him lecture. And certainly more than watching him play.
“I’m past the point of demonstration at age 41,” Fryman said. “So they can see it. And then they go out and practice it and work at it.”
Fryman also joked he can say something over and over, but if Cabrera mentions it to the players, he has their full attention.
When asked his thoughts on the Mahoning Valley, Cabrera said he liked the area and has had fun in his brief time here.
But he did add that being a spectator for the Indians is tough.
“It’s really hard for me, because I am watching the games on TV with my family,” he said. “They’ve had some bad games and I feel bad, but I’m going to get back soon and help my team.”
What about all of his Scrappers gear? Is he planning to keep it and cherish it always?
“Yeah,” he said with a big smile. “Why not?”
Scrappers notebook
Out of his league: Scrappers manager Travis Fryman, a five-time All-Star with the Indians and Tigers, won a Gold Glove at third base in 2000 but said he’s not in the same league as players such as Tribe shortstops Asdrubal Cabrera (who was in Niles on a rehab assignment Tuesday) or Omar Vizquel (who played next to Fryman when he was with the Indians). “Watching Asdrubal play out there, I’m like, ‘Gosh, I can’t do that,” said Fryman. “You don’t watch him to learn from him. You just watch him to appreciate what a good athlete he is. It’s like watching Omar Vizquel play shortstop. I appreciate it for what it is but I can’t do that. I’m a little more reachable or attainable than a lot of these guys. People looks at me and they’re like, ‘Gosh dang, you’re not as big as I thought you were.’” Fryman said he always got treated well on minor league rehab assignments. “It was always a great thrill to go down and people ask you questions and pick your brain a bit,” he said. “And they’re watching.”
Feeling better: Scrappers catcher Diego Seastrunk hit his second homer of the year on Monday night against Hudson Valley. The Humble, Texas, native also walked and scored two runs. He’s hitting just .135 in 12 games but said he’s felt better over the last few days as he adjusts from “the tin can to the wood bat.” The tin can? “Yeah,” he said, chuckling. “I heard a bunch of older coaches that don’t like them [aluminum bats] call them tin cans.” Seastrunk should see more playing time now that catcher Wyatt Toregas is playing with Triple-A Columbus. “I was upset to see him go,” said Seastrunk, who splits time at catcher with Moises Montero. “Wyatt helped me out a lot. He was one of the nicest guys I’ve met since I’ve been here. It was kind of like a mentor sort of thing that we had going, but I’m excited about getting more playing time.” Toregas, a 2004 draft pick, played 19 games with the Indians last season.
Recent signees: The Indians recently signed their No. 6 and No. 7 picks from this year’s draft. Sixth-rounder Nick Bartolone, a shortstop from Chabot (Calif.) Junior College, is now in the Arizona League, while seventh-rounder Robbie Aviles, a right-hander from Suffern (N.Y.) High School, underwent Tommy John surgery and will be out for a year.
Joe Scalzo