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Baldelli/Cabrera

Posted By Tomj

I struggled with rating both of these guys. Both are very similar, but also very different. We got to see almost a full year of Baldelli, which may explain some of the 2nd half tailing off he experienced. I love his combination of speed/power and average but the low OBPCT does worry me. At the minimum I see him as Doug Glanville (don't laugh - remember when Glanville consistently hit 300, 10-12 homers and 30 steals). At best he may be a Kirby Puckett. Either way he will help a team in need of a great defensive CF.

Cabrera was harder for me to read because I wasn't sure which position he would end up at. He has more power than Baldelli, and may hit for better average, but the speed/defense is not as good, but do you need it at LF/3B, probably not. Pujols/Vlad may be pushing it a bit, but then again maybe not.

I put Baldelli ahead of Cabrera only because I needed a CF. Rating the rookies on pure talent (and I always overrate pitching) I had baldelli about 8/9 & Cabrera around 5/6