Everth Cabrera

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Diego Padres #24 prospect in 2009
  Left off the Rockies' 40-man roster, Cabrera didn't last long in the major league Rule 5 draft. Padres international scout Felix Feliz worked for the Rockies when Cabrera signed, so it was no surprise San Diego grabbed the switch-hitting middle infielder with the third pick. Though he's 22, Cabrera hasn't advanced past low Class A, and spending the entire 2009 season in the majors could harm his development. If he doesn't stay on the Padres' big league roster, they have to place him on waivers and offer him back to Colorado. Cabrera has plus-plus speed and led the minors with 73 steals in 2008. Managers rated him the fastest and best baserunner in the low Class A South Atlantic League. He has shown an ability to work the count, but his 101 strikeouts were too many for a player with his offensive profile. He offers well below-average power. The Asheville coaching staff tried to get him to stay back on the ball and use his hands to hit line drives. Cabrera has played more second base than shortstop in his career, but he seamlessly shifted across the bag during the second half of 2008, showing solid range and arm strength at short. With a dearth of shortstop options, the Padres are committed to giving Cabrera a long look in spring training. However, it's hard to envision him going from low Class A to playing regularly in the big leagues in one year.