Baseball - Yankees Ask Cabrera Not Play In Caribbea

Melky Cabrera is all set to skip the Caribbean World Series at the behest of his team. The Yankees requested the outfielder not to play during the Caribbean World Series so that he can get enough rest before the start of the next season.

Yankees’ senior vice president of baseball operations, Mark Newman, informed that Cabrera played the last part of the winter league in Dominican Republic and he was asked to get some rest as it had been a long year for him. The club thought Cabrera needed some rest so they asked him to stop playing.

Last season was Cabrera’s rookie season and he was quite amazing during it. He got a lot of playing time because of injuries sustained by Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield. Cabrera played an outstanding defense, especially in left field. In 130 games, he batted .280 with 7 home runs, 50 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Cabrera also scored 75 runs and 26 doubles in 460 at-bats.

Cabrera, who is just 22 years old, goes into this season as New York Yankees’ fourth outfielder. He is the top backup behind Matsui, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu.

While Newman was discussing the team’s top prospects, he also spoke about Philip Hughes besides Cabrera. Hughes is one of the most treasured player in the Yankees at the moment.

Last year, the 20 year old Hughes went 10-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 21 starts at Double-A Trenton. He struck out 138 in 116 innings and opponents could hit just .179 against him. Newman described his performance in minor league as “off the charts” performance.

Hughes might have an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation during spring training. However, Newman thinks that the best thing for Hughes would be to begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.