May 15, 200521 yr Notes: Cabrera stands in for Lowell All-Star left fielder takes place of struggling third baseman By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com SAN DIEGO -- At least once a week and sometimes twice, Miguel Cabrera takes ground balls at third base. On Sunday, the Marlins All-Star left fielder was moved to third base in place of the struggling Mike Lowell. A natural third baseman in the Minor Leagues, Cabrera was converted to an outfielder when he was brought up in June 2003. Marlins manager Jack McKeon made the change because Lowell, a three-time All-Star, is batting .194 and is in a 1-for-23 rut over his past seven games. Figuring out ways to get Lowell to snap out of his season-long slump has been a constant challenge. But after seeing Lowell's frustrations, McKeon informed both players after Saturday's 2-1 loss to San Diego that a switch would be made. How long Lowell sits and Cabrera stays at third base is unknown. But at least in Sunday's series finale against the Padres, Cabrera was at third base and Jeff Conine started in left field. "What's the tonic?" McKeon asked. "You give him a few days [off]? Or a week? I don't know. It's tough seeing Mike struggling. You hope he keeps the faith, and his confidence, which I think he will. "Maybe a few days on the bench he will realize it's not that tough." Lowell's woes are uncharacteristic because he's traditionally a fast starter. On the road he's batting .156, and his average for the season with runners in scoring position is .161. Lowell doesn't want to magnify what's gone wrong. "You are asking to me to give you answers to things I can't give you answers for," Lowell said. "There is no point talking about it." While Cabrera is "excited" about returning to third base, even for a few days, the 22-year-old is sympathetic. "I feel bad for him," Cabrera said. Cabrera, who is batting .372 and has been the Marlins' most productive regular, sees a benefit to taking a break every now and then. Cabrera has been given two days off, both in games before a day off, and both times, he has responded with big games. "It helps a lot," Cabrera said. "It keeps your mind clean. You can see the game and see what guys do. That's going to help. Sometimes you say you don't want a day off, but sometimes you need it because your body rests." Cabrera last played third base during the 2003 National League Championship Series against the Cubs. This might help Mike and Cabrera seeing how this is Cabrera's natural position. Kinda scarey that Cabrera could do better. Hope this helps out Lowell.
May 15, 200521 yr Well, nothing else has really helped Lowell, so it's certainly worth a try. Especially seeing how Conine responded well in the game today and we are winning, I would think this lineup will hold for a few more days
May 15, 200521 yr I don't mind Cabrera playing 3rd base. He's done a pretty good job in today's game so far. I hope that when Lowell comes back he'll start hitting again like he used too. Lowell usually does good at the beginning of the season, but that's not the case this year. But hopefully he can perform like he does at the beginning of seasons when he comes back. Too bad he probably won't be going to the ASG with all this and now him on the bench...It's really a shame. I feel bad for him, he's so frustrated with his struggles. He gets so mad when he pops up and messes up good opportunities to score. But I know he'll work on his swing and hitting during his time out. Hopefully Bill Robinson can start getting to work and help him out.
May 15, 200521 yr Finally it happened. I have been suggesting this for a while and I am glad to see that change.
May 15, 200521 yr Very surprising, but I guess Cabrera wasnt making much progress in outfield anyway. Hopefully Lowell gets aback on track and Cabrera becomes a capable defender.
May 16, 200521 yr Lowell should take a rest and just swing some while he is out but not too much. He needs rest.
May 16, 200521 yr Lets see the Marlins move Cabs to 3B and call-up a catcher from AA to AAA. That's three catchers in Albuquerque. Maybe Willy's gonna be called-up to play some LF or RF. EDIT: Just found out Jorg's on the DL, nevermind.
May 16, 200521 yr Remember Jeter last year?? He finished up okay and I'm sure Mikey will do the same. Give Jack credit for trying to help him out.
May 16, 200521 yr Let's just say if Mikey (or whoever is in his place) were batting about .280, we would be 2.5 games up on the Braves.
May 16, 200521 yr hopefully these days off will help Lowell clear his mind and rest up. Mcabs play a great 3rd base so the defense won't suffer and it also gets conine in the line-up
May 16, 200521 yr hopefully these days off will help Lowell clear his mind and rest up. Mcabs play a great 3rd base so the defense won't suffer and it also gets conine in the line-up 774490[/snapback] I wouldnt say great, almost made a wild throw to home.
May 16, 200521 yr This is interesting, over on the Reds fan sites someone posted that they heard a rumor about Adam Dunn to the Marlins for Castillo and 2 top pitching prospects. Some may like it for the Reds some may not, but I think all fish fan would love it. As a Reds fan I would do it. Just interesting that he will be playing 3rd.
May 16, 200521 yr This is interesting, over on the Reds fan sites someone posted that they heard a rumor about Adam Dunn to the Marlins for Castillo and 2 top pitching prospects. Some may like it for the Reds some may not, but I think all fish fan would love it. As a Reds fan I would do it. Just interesting that he will be playing 3rd. 774594[/snapback] :mischief2 If that was true, who would play 2nd for the Marlins? Easley? :confused
May 16, 200521 yr This is interesting, over on the Reds fan sites someone posted that they heard a rumor about Adam Dunn to the Marlins for Castillo and 2 top pitching prospects. Some may like it for the Reds some may not, but I think all fish fan would love it. As a Reds fan I would do it. Just interesting that he will be playing 3rd. 774594[/snapback] :mischief2 If that was true, who would play 2nd for the Marlins? Easley? :confused 774599[/snapback] Just telling you thats what I heard. Maybe Jimenez would be included in the deal. I dunno
May 16, 200521 yr Man I proposed this idea awhile back and everyone said it was a stupid idea! :lol 774696[/snapback] I think it is a stupid idea :lol
May 17, 200521 yr If the Marlins can't or don't re-sign Mikey after the 2007 season, Miggy will be playing 3B for the Fish. Book it.
May 17, 200521 yr For the sake of every fly ball or line drive hit his way, let's hope Cabrera does not feel that way for 2005, 06 and 07.
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