Five of the six readers who chimed in with their thoughts on the leftfield auditions voted for Melky Cabrera to get the majority of the playing time, and the rookie showed everyone why last night. Batting leadoff, he went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and a walk. He's now hitting .325 (13-for-40) with an impressive .413 on-base percentage.
Last season, when the Yankees plucked Cabrera out of Double-A to play centerfield everyday, the party line was that all he had to do was catch the ball. But we quickly learned defense is not his strong suit. One year later, it's clear offense is his forte, and it sure looks like his bat is good enough where they have to keep him out there.
Comments (4)
I am not familiar with Melky's minor league numbers, but from what little I have seen of him, batting right-handed may be a challenge for him. Time will tell, but he may be a platoon candidate once the Yanks get some bodies back. Left-handed he looks quick-wristed and aggressive. Right-handed his swing is slower, and he appears less aggressive. That still gives us a great stick roughly 2\3 of the time.
I might have spoken too soon is claiming that Melky couldn't hit. Much less in the clutch as he did twice last night. Not too shaby of a running catch in right field too.
Keep it up Melky.
you cant say his swing is slower right handed when hes a career 1-1 with 0 k's against billy wagner, as well as that great 10 or 11 pitch at bat against him while throwing close to 100 mph
It looks like Melky Cabrera is this year's version of Robby Cano. Both called up from Columbus to try to fill a need and both succeeding. Who say that Yankees are nothing but a free agent loaded team. Next: Philip Hughes and other good arms.