Cabrera: "Now I'm a good guy"

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said today that Everth Cabrera's legal issues are resolved and the infielder can concentrate on playing baseball and trying to make the team in spring training.

A trial was scheduled for April after Cabrera's arrest in San Diego for suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana that led to a charge in November of resisting arrest. Cabrera has been placed on three years of probation and will perform 80 hours of community service work in San Diego as part of a plea agreement.

Duquette introduced Cabrera to the media following today's workout.

"Everth did a plea deal, a plea agreement and he had to pay a fine, and he also has to do some community service work in San Diego," Duquette said. "But it's resolved and he's ready to play ball."

Manager Buck Showalter said resolving the legal issues on Monday was "a prerequisite" for the Orioles signing Cabrera to a one-year deal.

"That's why it took as long as it did. It wasn't going to happen if it wasn't and that we felt comfortable with it," Showalter said.

"I think timing is everything for players a lot. We all do things that we wish we hadn't. None of us would like to have our lives judged by our worst mistake, all of us here included. But I'm hoping that Everth understands when he makes on, it's on a national stage because of what the good lord has blessed him with to have a chance to do. We maintain our maneuverability with it. He's got a club to make here.

"Just because somebody's made a mistake in their life doesn't mean they don't possess good character and good baseball character. I'm not going to walk around behind him, I'm not going to browbeat him. We'll see if he takes the opportunity he's getting here and run with it.

"He looks good. I'll tell you, he looks real good. He's been doing a lot of work, had a very diligent offseason. I think the timing's good on him."

Cabrera worked out today with the team, taking grounders at shortstop and batting from both sides of the plate.

"We like Everth's athletic ability," Duquette said. "He can play shortstop, he's an excellent basestealer and he's a really proficient switch-hitter and we're glad to have him join the team.

"Took a little while for the deal to come together. We had to resolve a couple of issues. We resolved all those issues and Everth will be good to go for the 2015 season. It's a one-year contract and we're real happy to have him.

"He's young, he's hungry, he's made the All-Star team in 2013. He can play a premium skilled defensive position. He's a switch-hitter. He's an outstanding baserunner and a premium basestealer. So he's got a lot of assets that could help the ballclub and I'm sure we will find some spots to help us win some ballgames."

Those legal issues may have kept Cabrera on the market after the Padres non-tendered him. He also was suspended in 2013 for his part in the Biogenisis scandal after being named to the National League All-Star team.

"For sure, just back-to-back making mistakes," Cabrera said. "We all learn from that part and I've got my mind fresh and all that in the past is in the back (of his mind). Now I'm a good guy. I'm going to do work every single day.

"I was waiting and waiting, working hard back in Florida. And now I'm here and that's the most important thing."

The Orioles perceive Cabrera as being a low-risk signing.

"I believe in Everth's ability to help our team," Duquette said. "He's 28 years old. He's on a one-year deal. He's got a great opportunity. He brings an element to our ballclub that will be additive. He brings an excellent baserunner and basestealer. That's something we need. If we can leverage his on-base capability in front of our power hitters, then we've got something good to talk about.

"Everth's been working hard all winter down at St. Thomas University for the last eight weeks to resolve some of the soft tissue injuries that he had. He's worked real hard to get himself in shape, so he can be healthy and contribute to the team."

In what role? It doesn't seem to matter to Cabrera, who's primarily been a shortstop, but also can move to second base and the outfield.

"I'm happy to be here with the Orioles organization. It's super exciting and I'm hungry. I can't wait to start playing," Cabrera said.

"I always think every spring training that I've got to compete. I don't care where they're going to put me. I'm going to play hard and I'm going to compete every single day when they give me the opportunity to play."

Showalter said Cabrera could eventually get reps in the outfield, but he will stay in the infield for at least the early portion of workouts. Showalter is confident that Cabrera can "present himself well out there."

"He'll play a little bit of everywhere," Showalter said. "This guy a lot of people considered one of the better infielders in the National League a couple years ago. We'll see where the need is for the club and see if he can fit the need.

"He gives us some flexibility."

"I don't care," Cabrera said. "I'm open to everything. I have a little experience before playing center field, right field. I want the opportunity and I want to play."

Asked what he found appealing about the Orioles, Cabrera replied, "This organization. A lot of good things happened the last couple years. And I hope we can make the playoffs again.

"I know a couple guys like Ubaldo (Jimenez) and (Alejandro) De Aza and (Adam) Jones. It feels great here. I'm just happy to be here and I'm hungry."

He's also healthy after twice going on the disabled list last year with hamstring injuries.

"I feel great," he said. "I worked a lot in the offseason, especially my hamstrings. I feel great. I feel 100 percent. I'm going to run. I'm going to go."

Cabrera could use a clean slate.

"We always learn from making the mistakes I did," he said. "I'm fresh. My mind is fresh and I'm ready to move on. I'm ready to play baseball and happy to be here."

Showalter didn't dismiss the notion of Cabrera, Jonathan Schoop and Ryan Flaherty making the club out of spring training.

"It's possible math-wise, especially to start the season, first game. It could happen," Showalter said.

"There's ways you can subtract from other places. The thing about Jonathan and Ryan and we hope Everth is they're very versatile.

I asked Duquette whether any other roster moves were coming and he gave the expected answer.

"We build our team one piece at a time, year-round," he replied.