NewsMaking the Grade: Defense
Cabrera, Kouzmanoff highlight impressive glove play
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
11/05/09 3:29 PM EST
"Making the Grade" is a four-part series analyzing the performances of various units of the 2009 San Diego Padres. Today: Defense. Previously, starting pitching (Oct. 28), bullpen (Oct. 30) and offense (Nov. 3). Defense grade: BSAN DIEGO -- San Diego rookie shortstop Everth Cabrera had more errors (23) than any other National League shortstop, though the general consensus among teammates, coaches and even opposing managers was that he saved the team far more runs than he cost it.
"You hate to put labels on guys, but he has the chance to be someone very special," said veteran second baseman David Eckstein of Cabrera. "I think the biggest thing about him every day is that he comes to the yard and works hard."
To be sure, the 22-year-old Cabrera went through plenty of growing pains in his first year in the Major Leagues, with many of his errors occurring over the final two months of the season.
But Cabrera's footwork, his range and his arm bailed the Padres out of many tough spots during the 2009 season and have the team excited about what he's capable of in his career.
"I saw him each day getting better. I saw a young guy first come into camp ... an A-ball player with the speed, range and a very good arm. It was just a question of his experience and trying to get him to play more," said third-base coach Glenn Hoffman, who works with the Padres' infielders.
"Every day, he got a little more and more comfortable. He wanted to learn. He's a hard worker. That's going to take him a long ways."
Cabrera certainly wasn't the only Padre on the left side of the infield to come up big on the defensive side in 2009.
Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff set a single-season record for NL third basemen with a .990 fielding percentage. The Hall of Fame asked if he'd donate a glove that he used at some point during the season.
"We're seeing every play is being made ... and by that I mean the ball in the hole he's making, the ball down the line, the chopper he has to charge and take with his bare hand, the throw to second on a double play, the throws from different angles ... he's making them all," Padres manager Bud Black said during the season.
Kouzmanoff has come a long ways defensively. He had 22 errors in his rookie season 2007. He had 11 errors last season and only three in 2009.
"I'm very proud of him. He takes a lot of pride in what he's doing out there and he really wants to take that part of his game to another level," Hoffman said. "He wants to be in the right position, his reactions are good.
"It's just fun to watch the way he's progressed. I think it's the throwing ... the accuracy end of it is where he's improved most. The quickness when he gets off-balance, he's still able to make that throw."
Rookie outfielder Will Venable, promoted from Triple-A Portland in mid-season, gave the Padres a lift with several fine catches in the outfield, showing he can cover a lot of ground at spacious PETCO Park.
"He's getting really good jumps," Padres left fielder Chase Headley said of Venable. "He's playing fearless and having confidence that he can make the play. Sometimes you just get in that situation where the ball is just within reach."
Adrian Gonzalez, who won a Gold Glove last season, had another strong season at first base. His fielding percentage was .995, tying him for fourth in the league.
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
