"All work" approach working out for the new Cabrera
Ahhhh---so that's the Daniel Cabrera Alex Rodriguez was talking about when 2-years ago the 3-time MVP told me Cabrera is unhittable.
Last night's 3-2 win over the Mariners was thanks in part to two things: an 8th inning home run by Nick Markakis, and a beautiful pitching performance by Cabrera.
The righty went deeper than any other Orioles' pitcher this season. He threw 8-innings with just 2ER and most importantly: 0 walks. It was the 2nd night in a row an Orioles starter went deep into the game. That puts the bullpen in a really good position over a really tough stretch in the schedule.
Daniel Cabrera and Orioles Pitching Coach Rick Kranitz might be the perfect marriage. There is clearly a difference this season in Cabrera not just on the field, but off. Kranitz is most likely the reason. The big righty is extremely focused, to the point where some might mistake him for surly. There's no more joking around or laughing in the clubhouse as far as Cabrera is concerned. Small talk with the media has ceased, and even after an impressive win like the one last night, Cabrera showed no signs of satisfaction or happiness.
His demeanor was that of a man with some unfinished business. It was a good sign; as if Cabrera knew his mission to become a consistently dominant pitcher was far from complete with just 2-wins.
If you had the sound on your TV turned down last night when Cabrera addressed reporters, you would have thought Cabrera lost by the intense expression on his face. If you had the sound up, you'd have heard very short answers---the ones you hear from a pitcher usually credited with a loss.
The new Daniel isn't quite as fun to cover for us reporters, but I'd rather take a win than a chipper personality any day. Keep doing what you're doing Cabrera.
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