2013 MLB All-Star Game: Padres Represented By Everth Cabrera

Cabrera is the Padres lone All-Star representative this year. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Good afternoon, Friars fans.

Although the bad taste from today’s loss might still be in your mouths, I do have some All-Star news to pass along to you all.

According to San Diego’s team website, shortstop Everth Cabrera was selected to the 2013 National League All-Star Team.

The news of Cabrera’s inclusion on the National League’s roster is not much of a shock for those of us Friars fans.  This season has been quite the break-out one for San Diego’s shortstop, particularly at the plate.

Entering today’s game against the Nationals, Cabrera had posted an even .300 batting average (84-280), a .376 on-base percentage as San Diego’s primary leadoff hitter.  In addition to those numbers, Cabrera has smacked 19 extra base hits (11 doubles, four triples, four home runs), scored 37 runs, drove in another 25, and swiped a National League-leading 31 bases.

While his betterment as a hitter has been fun to watch, Everth’s improved plate discipline this year has been astounding.  Once a very “free-swinger,” Cabrera has tallied a much more disciplined (32:53) walk to strikeout ratio than he did in 2012 (43:110).  These marked improvements have allowed Cabrera to entrench himself as San Diego’s full-time leadoff hitter and lineup catalyst.

In addition to his work at the plate though, Cabrera has done a fine job as the Padres’ every-day shortstop as well.  Everth ranks third among National League shortstops in fielding percentage (.988), and he has made some fantastic diving plays to boot.

So congratulations on your All-Star status, Mr. Cabrera!

May this year’s trip be the first of many for you.

Statistics Courtesy of: Baseball Reference

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