ANAHEIM -- He isn't the fastest player on the field, but Orlando Cabrera can steal bases with anyone.
The Angels shortstop has swiped 23 bases this year and has been caught just three times. His 88 percent success rate is the best on the team.
Cabrera studies pitchers on film during warmups and throughout games in order to meticulously pick apart their timing and moves toward home. And while on the basepaths, he never lets his opposition figure out his intentions.
"Pitchers can tell you want to steal by body movement and if you take as big a lead as you can," he said. "I take small leads and get them to think I'm not running, then I'm at the next base before they know it."
It was with the Expos that Cabrera perfected his method of thievery. In a game against the Mets, the shortstop was in awe as to how Roberto Alomar was able to swipe second base so easily. Cabrera spoke with the veteran at second later in the series and learned how to steal deceptively.
Cabrera said he is rarely given a steal sign from the dugout; instead, he chooses his own spots when he notices the defense has forgotten about him and consistently gets huge jumps as a result.
"He is a very intelligent baserunner and he's extremely high-percentage," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He is fearless on the basepaths and that's half the battle."
Full Article:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Cabrera knows how to steal
Notes: Cabrera knows how to steal
Linear Mode
