03-15-2007, 03:41 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Greenville, N.C.
Posts: 176
|
Cabrera adjusting to elbow pad
Quote:
JUPITER, Fla. -- As the driving force in the Marlins' lineup, Miguel Cabrera is taking every precaution to make sure he remains healthy.
One equipment change the 23-year-old slugger has made is always wearing protective padding on his left elbow when he is at the plate.
A year ago, Cabrera was struck four times near that elbow, causing concern.
The most painful experience came in the third inning on Aug. 30, when he was plunked by Cardinals right-hander Jason Marquis. Cabrera was removed in the bottom of the inning, and he didn't play the following day.
At the time, the Marlins were riding a nine-game winning streak, and had they won on Aug. 30, they would have reached the .500 mark. Florida watched a four-run lead disappear that evening as the Cardinals scored 12 unanswered runs and cruised to a 13-6 win.
St. Louis also won the following night with Cabrera out of the lineup.
"I've got to be careful if they pitch me inside," said Cabrera, who didn't previously wear padding on his left elbow since his rookie season in 2003. "I'm doing this because I don't want to miss any games like I did last year."
Cabrera actually played in 158 games, and he remains one of the most durable players on the team. His .339 batting average in 2006 was second in the National League to Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez.
Cabrera wore padding during the final month of 2006, and he continued using it this past offseason playing winter ball in Venezuela.
"I'm using it here now. I'm feeling more comfortable with it," he said.
|
The Official Site of the Florida Marlins News: Florida Marlins News
Whatever helps protect him and keeps him healthy, he should do it. They need Cabrera healthy the full length of the season.
|
|
|
Cabrera adjusting to elbow pad
Linear Mode
