Ramon Cabrera Stats & Scouting Report

AB	6
AVG	.333
OBP	.429
SLG	.333
HR	0

Full name Ramón Salvador Cabrera
Born 11/05/1989 in Caracas, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 5'8" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Debut 09/05/2015

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Cabrera's father Alex played for the Diamondbacks in 2000 before becoming a big power hitter in Japan. Father and son were able to play against each other in the 2013 Venezuelan League, where 41-year-old Alex posted monster numbers for La Guaira while Ramon caught for Caracas. Ramon originally signed with the Pirates for $100,000 in 2008, then joined the Tigers in December 2012 when Pittsburgh traded him for lefthander Andy Oliver. Cabrera yo-yoed between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo in 2013, settling in at the former with a solid offensive performance. He seldom swings and misses, with a contact-oriented swing that helps him hit for a high batting average. Cabrera improved his walk rate last year but has just 20 power and is a slow runner. With a swing path lacking loft, along with his maxed out body, he'll never have a double-digit home run season. Cabrera caught just 50 games in 2013 and his defense remains below-average, especially controlling the running game, as he caught 26 percent of basestealers. While their body types are different, Cabrera has the upside to contribute a performance along the lines of Josh Thole.
Cabrera's father Alex Cabrera played for the Diamondbacks in 2000 before becoming a prolific power hitter in Japan. Signed by the Pirates for $100,000, Ramon won the Florida State League batting title with a .343 average in 2011. After he turned in a lackluster encore in Double-A last year, Pittsburgh traded him to the Tigers for Andy Oliver. Cabrera can put the bat on the ball consistently and hit for a solid average, but he doesn't contribute much offensively beyond that. While he doesn't strike out much, he also doesn't walk a lot. He didn't receive his father's power genes and hasn't hit more than three homers in any of his five pro seasons. Cabrera made strides defensively in 2012, especially from a receiving standpoint. However, his throwing is still erratic and he has difficulty controlling the running game. He threw out just 20 percent of basestealers last season. As expected with a catcher, he's a well below-average runner. Cabrera profiles as a backup catcher in the major leagues, and he'll have to battle Curt Casali and Bryan Holaday to eventually win that job in Detroit.
Cabrera's father Alex played for the 2000 Diamondbacks and has gone on to spend 11 seasons in Japan. Ramon isn't a slugger like his father, but he won the high Class A Florida State League batting title last season with a .343 average. He also was the FSL's toughest batter to strike out, fanning just once every 13.1 plate appearances. A switch-hitter, Cabrera slashes line drives to the gaps from both sides of the plate. The question is how much more power he can develop and how much his defense can improve. He focuses on making contact and isn't much of a home run threat, having hit just 10 in 1,051 pro at-bats. Though he has a square frame, Cabrera is agile behind the plate and moves surprisingly well on the bases. He also shows good feel for calling a game. However, his arm is average at best and his throws can be scattershot. He threw out just 13 percent of basestealers and committed 14 passed balls in 78 games last year. Keeping his body in shape may always be a struggle. Cabrera will have to keep proving himself at every level to make it to the majors, with Double-A his next challenge.