Orioles nearing deal with Everth Cabrera

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are close to signing free agent shortstop Everth Cabrera to a one-year deal, according to sources. A few issues need to be resolved before it becomes official.

Cabrera has taken his physical, but that's not the only holdup.

Cabrera, a career .248/.319/.333 hitter in six seasons with the Padres before they non-tendered him, was charged in November with resisting arrest after being stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana two months earlier. A trial is set for April.

There's more baggage with Cabrera, 28, who was suspended for 50 games in 2013 for his involvement in the Biogenisis scandal. However, the Orioles took chances on Nelson Cruz, Delmon Young and Alfredo Aceves in the past few years and went 2-for-3 in those signings. They've done their homework on him.

The Orioles are looking for a leadoff hitter and Cabrera, a switch-hitter who's represented by the Boras Corporation, fits the description. He led the National League with 44 stolen bases in 48 attempts in 2012 and has batted first in 231 career games, the most at any spot in the order.

The Padres non-tendered Cabrera after he batted .232/.272/.300 in 90 games. He went on the disabled list twice with hamstring injuries.

Cabrera has played 461 major league games at shortstop and only 12 at second, but the Orioles are convinced that he can move around the infield. The question is whether he would have a greater impact on second baseman Jonathan Schoop or utility player Ryan Flaherty. The Orioles can't keep both of them if Cabrera makes the club.

"Competition is a good thing," said one official.

Cabrera has a minor league option, which is a huge consideration for the Orioles. He made the National League All-Star team in 2013. The Orioles like his upside.

Cabrera's pending deal with the Orioles guarantees close to the $2.45 million he made last season. He's not getting a raise.

The Sun first reported the deal.