August 4, 200322 yr MIAMI -- Left-hander Dontrelle Willis isn't the only prized rookie making a name for himself on the national scene. On Monday, left fielder Miguel Cabrera was honored as the National League Rookie of the Month. The 20-year-old from Venezuela solidified an outfield spot by batting .318 (27-for-85) in July with five home runs, eight doubles, one triple and 21 RBIs. Cabrera becomes the second Marlin in as many months to win monthly rookie honors. Willis was the National League Rookie of the Month in June. Like Willis, Cabrera opened the season at Double-A Carolina. For the Mudcats, he was tearing up the Southern League with a .365 average. The Marlins brought him up and made him their starting left fielder because Todd Hollandsworth was struggling. Making Cabrera's success more startling is the fact he is playing a position he hadn't since his childhood in Maracay, Venezuela. Formerly a shortstop, Cabrera was switched to third base a few seasons ago in the minor leagues. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is still growing, and he has been athletic enough to perform in the outfield without looking lost. The Marlins brought him up on June 20, and in his first Major League game, he had a storybook finish. His lone hit in five at-bats was a two-run walk-off home run to beat Tampa Bay, 3-1, in 11 innings. Predictably, Cabrera still has his struggles as he is gaining on-the-job training. In June, his average was .158 with one home run and six RBIs. But his performance has picked up since. Currently he is batting .258 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. His slugging percentage is .500. Regarded by the organization as a future All-Star, Cabrera is taking on a big burden in the Marlins' quest to win the Wild Card race. A week prior to the no-waiver trade deadline, the Marlins front office asked itself if too much is being expected from the rookie. General manager Admin Beinfest made trade inquires for a veteran left fielder, with the team almost pulling the trigger on a trade with the Padres that would have brought in veteran Rondell White. After consulting with manager Jack McKeon, owner Jeffrey Loria and others in the front office, the Marlins decided to stick with Cabrera. Cabrera didn't disappoint in the Marlins' homestand, where the team went 7-2. The rookie hit .333 with 11 RBIs in the nine games. "We felt we were close and could have consummated a deal for an everyday outfielder," Beinfest said after the trade deadline passed last Thursday. "Jack was 100 percent behind the Cabrera decision. I think Miguel Cabrera is just a very confident player. He needs to be confident because he's in a highly competitive situation as a rookie. You better be confident and be sure about what you're doing. I think when you talk about a kid like Willis and a kid like Cabrera, they are mature beyond their years and at the Major League level."
August 5, 200322 yr When was the last time a team had two diffrent ROTM back-back? I don't know, but this came out of LF. He deserves to win it, but I never really thought he would. That's great. I think Dontrelle needs to win it for August, and then Miguel can take September! :lol :w00t
August 5, 200322 yr but this came out of LF :mischief2 It's good to see the Marlins finally being recognized on a more national level. It's even better to see the farm system producing these types of players.
August 5, 200322 yr Congratulations Mr. Cabrera! Back to back Rookie of the Month awards for the Marlins. :thumbup
August 5, 200322 yr It's good to know that we have two great rookies on the team. In 1998, even with all of our rookies on that team, nobody won the ROY award. Now it looks like Willis is going to easily take it home this season.
August 5, 200322 yr Congrats Miggy! He deserved it, he hadd a big month. Our Rookies have been so good this year! I hope Denny Bautista can come up also!
August 5, 200322 yr I hope Denny Bautista can come up also! I wouldn't be suprised if Stokes won it his rookie year.
August 5, 200322 yr Now it looks like Willis is going to easily take it home this season. Dontrelle 4 CY Young!
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