Cabrera ready for winter: Three-time All-Star Miguel Cabrera will once again get a head start in preparation for Spring Training by playing Winter League ball in his native Venezuela.

 

The Marlins have granted the 23-year-old sensation permission to play for the Aragua Tigers, who begin play on Dec. 20.

 

Cabrera has played for the Tigers every year since he was brought up to the big leagues in 2003. A month ago, Cabrera finished second in a home-run hitting contest in Venezuela.

 

Cabrera will play about a dozen games before the playoffs start in January. Last spring, Cabrera represented Venezuela in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

 

All I have to say is :crossfingers

Gotta keep him happy, but...ugh.

Have fun miggy and play well more practice at 3B is a good thing.

Please don't get hurt.

Please don't get hurt.

 

Admin that was my reason for the :crossfingers :lol I think he'll be alright...

This is perhaps the only way Miggy stays in any shape. Let him play!

 

and he hit 339 last year with all the time he spent playing baseball and didnt get tired... props to miggy

 

:batman

Gotta keep him happy, but...ugh.

 

Bunch of strict parents we have in this board.

It looks like Miguel started playing winter ball after the Christmas break and is off to a good start, already bringing home a win for the Aragua Tigers with a 3-run homer. A story about that game (with photos) can be found at:

 

http://www.tigresdearagua.net/modules.php?...cle&sid=834

 

By the look of Miguel in the photos, it looks like he has kept himself in shape this offseason which should bode well for the Marlins in 2007. It looks like we won't have to see him struggling to field groundballs at third due to his girth again (like the beginning of 2006).

he does look like he's in shape.