Marlins want Cabrera's homers to come naturally

 

May 10, 2004

By Charlie McCarthy

SportsLine.com Staff Writer

 

MIAMI -- In many ways, Miguel Cabrera was more impressive while walking than homering.

 

After all, it would have been understandable -- heck, it was expected -- a young player such as Cabrera would be swinging for the fences after having taken the major-league home-run lead during the second inning of Sunday's 7-4 victory against San Diego.

 

 

Miguel Cabrera says he's thinking of knocking in runs not hitting homers. Instead, the Florida Marlins' 21-year-old cleanup hitter singled and walked twice in his final three at-bats -- further indications he's a special talent.

 

"I think I see signs of him getting back to himself, and not being so anxious," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said of Cabrera, who started the weekend in a 3-for-28 slump. "That comes from taking bases on balls.

 

"And then he's quick. He turned on that fastball and hit that home run like -- ding -- just like that."

 

Cabrera, who slammed a 426-foot homer to dead center Saturday night, began this week with 11 home runs, putting him one ahead of Barry Bonds, Jim Thome, Adam Dunn and Luis Gonzalez in the NL. Anaheim's Troy Glaus had 10 to lead the AL.

 

But if Marlins batting coach Bill Robinson has anything to do with it, Cabrera's time atop the leaderboard won't last long.

 

"Let's not even go there," Robinson said. "I'm looking for 25. Then we'll talk next year."

 

Only 25 home runs, you ask? With 11 on May 10?

 

Perhaps Robinson's thought process has to do with the fact Cabrera, who hit 12 homers in 314 at-bats with Florida after being promoted from Double-A last season, never hit more than 10 in three minor-league seasons.

 

More likely, Robinson understands what can happen if Cabrera simply concentrates on hitting the ball hard -- something he did against San Diego.

 

Cabrera, who had batted third in every previous start this season, was dropped to fifth in the batting order Saturday night. He responded with a home run and two singles. Sunday, with Mike Lowell being given a rest, Cabrera batted fourth and went 2-for-3 with the two walks.

 

And it looks as though Cabrera will remain in the cleanup spot, with Lowell hitting third, when the Marlins begin a series at Houston on Tuesday night. That shouldn't be a big surprise; Cabrera batted fourth during last year's NLCS and World Series.

 

"I got to thinking about it (Saturday) night," McKeon said. "I said, 'Well, he did so well hitting fourth, why not put him there?'"

 

Cabrera, who's hitting .296 with 26 RBI, insisted he doesn't care where he bats.

 

"The RBI are important -- it doesn't matter if I bat third, fourth or fifth," said Cabrera, a native of Venezuela. "I just go out and do my job."

 

Will his job include hitting homers and staying among the game's elite power guys?

 

"I don't know, man," Cabrera said. "There are a lot of good hitters. Barry Bonds ... Sammy Sosa ... Alex Rodriguez ... Ken Griffey, right now. Those hitters will be there. I don't know. If I keep going ... but I'm not thinking that."

 

Words that are music to his hitting coach's ears.

 

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Job of 3, 4 & 5 batters is to drive runners in. If he can knock the all out of Dade county, than all the more power to him. As long as he's not going up there looking to smack it out every time and that means he pops up alot of balls, then its cool.

AS long as he can stay out of really extended slumps im happy

espn was giving Mcabs props all sunday night,they were talking about how he's the next pujols and i dont dought that this guy is going to be a 35 to 40 hr's and 100+ rbi's for a long time...

I don't know what Robinson is thinking. Yes, I know he doesn't want Cabrera (21 years old) swinging for the fenses all year but he should hit more than 25 HR this year. I'm hoping for 35. As long as his average is .280 or above then I'm happy. I'm sure he can hit .300 though.

I don't know what Robinson is thinking. Yes, I know he doesn't want Cabrera (21 years old) swinging for the fenses all year but he should hit more than 25 HR this year. I'm hoping for 35. As long as his average is .280 or above then I'm happy. I'm sure he can hit .300 though.

It is clear Robinson is trying to keep the expectations (and pressure) low on Cabs. He realizes just as well as everyone else that if Cabs already has 11 HRs 1 month into the season, he is on track to hit over 50.

 

I'm not saying he will (or should) keep this pace...but the possibility is there.....particluarly if he continues to swing naturally and let the hits come.