Cabrera on playing center field: "That surprises me"

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 16, 2015, 4:42am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Everth Cabrera had no idea that he was starting in center field for the Orioles today until approached by reporters at his locker.

"Center?" he asked. "That surprises me."

Yes, laughter ensued.

Cabrera hasn't played center field in the majors and did so in only five games in the minors with Triple-A Tucson in 2012.

"I don't care," he said. "I've been playing a little bit of of center field before, so it doesn't matter to me. I need the opportunity to play somewhere and I can help my team to win games. That's it."

Cabrera said he hasn't shagged fly balls this spring.

"Nothing. Right now, nothing," he said. "They don't tell me nothing, but I think I'll be all right."

Cabrera may be competing for a utility spot and needs to show off his versatility. He's played shortstop and second base this spring.

"I can play all over," he said. "No first base, no catcher, no pitcher, but other than that I can help my team in a lot of situations like that."