Fernando Cabrera Stats & Scouting Report

IP	175
ERA	5.246
WHIP	1.537
BB/9	5.04
SO/9	9.926

Full name Fernando Jose Cabrera
Born 11/16/1981 in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Discipulos De Cristo
Debut 08/20/2004
Drafted in the 10th round (317th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 1999.

View Draft Report

RHP Fernando Cabrera is the island's top pitching prospect. He has big hands, a large, lean frame and already throws an average big league fastball. He should develop into a power pitcher as he fills out his 6-foot-4, 170-pound body.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Indians had a poor draft in 1999, as their top pick (second-rounder Will Hartley) never made it out of Rookie ball and just one player signed in the first 20 rounds made it past Double-A. That exception is Cabrera, who reached Double-A as a starter but has been groomed as a late-inning reliever since mid-2003. He has been impressive in late-season callups the last two years. Cabrera operates with two plus pitches, a lively 92-96 mph fastball and a hard, diving splitter. His fastball command has improved since his days as a starter, and he pitches effectively to both sides of the plate. He has both the stuff and the demeanor to close. Cabrera's slider and changeup aren't nearly as effective as his other two offerings. When he stays on top of his slider and doesn't slow down his arm speed with his changeup, both pitches grade out as major league average. He rarely concerns himself with holding runners close to first base. There's no question that Cabrera is Cleveland's closer of the future. The Indians will ease him into the role, however, after re-signing all-star Bob Wickman to finish games in 2006. Cabrera will help set up Wickman this season.
Though Cabrera had a 7-2, 2.47 record as a 21-year-old starter in Double-A, the Indians moved him to the bullpen in mid-2003. He has continued to flourish and was impressive in a brief major league stint in August. Cabrera has all the makings of a power reliever with two plus pitches--a 92-96 mph fastball and a hard, diving splitter. He controls both sides of the plate with his fastball. His aggressive temperament benefits him late in games with the lead. Cabrera's slider and changeup aren't as useful as his fastball and splitter, though he doesn't need as diverse a repertoire coming out of the bullpen. He has improved his slider, but he tips off his changeup by reducing his arm speed. He's easy prey for basestealers. He'll get a long look in spring training, though he won't get thrown to the wolves immediately after Bob Wickman re-signed and will presumably open the season as Cleveland's closer. The Indians will bring him along slowly, but he showed he has the stuff to thrive with the game on the line.
After being used almost exclusively as a starter in his first 31⁄2 years in the organization, Cabrera moved to the bullpen in late June last year. He finished the season as Akron's closer, converting his last five regular-season save opportunities and turning in three scoreless outings in the playoffs. Cabrera throws an overpowering 92-96 mph fastball and a splitter that's an effective No. 2 pitch. His stuff and his temperament are well suited for a late-inning role, and he also had success as a starter. His fastball command improved in 2003. Cabrera needs to make hitters more aware of his splitter, which would make his fastball more effective. His slider and changeup lag behind his main two pitches, though he won't need them as much in relief. He must improve his fielding and ability to control the running game after giving up 27 steals in 31 attempts (87 percent) last year. Cabrera will begin 2004 in Triple-A. He'll reach Cleveland after he shows command of more than his fastball. The Indians don't have an obvious closer on their current roster, and Cabrera could fill that role in time.
Cabrera began to emerge in 2002, averaging more than a strikeout per inning for the second straight year and reaching Double-A at age 20. While he has been used as a starter in his three years in the organization, he projects as a power reliever. His fastball consistently reaches 93-96 mph and he can command it to both sides of the plate. Cabrera needs to refine his mechanics and improve his control of his slider and splitter. His changeup isn't an asset at this point, and his ability to hold runners is weak. Though he's still raw, he did hold lefthanders to a .204 average last year. He'll open 2003 in the Double-A rotation but likely will be moved to the bullpen either this year or next.
Cabrera followed an unimpressive pro debut in 2000 with an attention-getting performance in low Class A last year, averaging more than a strikeout per inning and holding opponents to a .241 average. He has a long, lanky body and plenty of arm strength. He throws a heavy, dominating fastball that tops out at 97 mph. Cabrera also can spin a breaking ball, though not consistently. He still needs work on his mechanics, as his long arms make it difficult for him to repeat his delivery. His secondary pitches, command and durability all require improvement as well. But pitchers with arms like Cabrera's always get plenty of chances. He'll move up to high Class A in 2002.

Minor League Top Prospects

Cabrera was one of the EL's best starters during the first half of the season, which left some observers surprised when he moved to the bullpen in late June. His lack of a changeup and reliance on a splitter seemingly make him a better fit as a reliever. No one doubts Cabrera's 92-94 mph fastball that touches 96 at times. He has a long but smooth delivery, and his fastball command has improved. His secondary pitches, which also include a slider, are less developed.
The Indians have acquired several talented arms in the last two years via the draft and trades, and many of those pitchers are moving quickly through the system. Cabrera is progressing at a slower pace and without the hype, yet he has the same upside. Just as he stepped forward last year in his first full season, Cabrera showed progress in 2002 and finished the summer in Double-A. His heavy 97 mph fastball worked well with an improved curveball and durability. Cabrera still needs some polish, as indicated by his 1-2, 5.33 numbers following his promotion to Akron. His mechanics and secondary pitches are coming along, and at age 20 he still has plenty of time.