Baltimore Orioles sign wild lefty Cesar Cabral

Mar 23, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Cesar Cabral (64) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a listing of minor league transaction signings by Baseball America, it is reported that former Yankees left-handed reliever Cesar Cabral has been signed by the Baltimore Orioles to a minor league contract.

Cabral is a 6-3, 250 pound Dominican lefty who will turn 26 next month.

His career began at age 17 when signed as a free agent in the Red Sox system. He has on three occasions been involved in the Rule 5 draft, so there is recognized talent.

But honestly, Cabral’s statistics are not particularly good at any level at any time of his career. After an elbow stress fracture cost him the 2012 season, his combined minor leagues ERA was 5.40 in 2013 and 6.28 in 2014.

Somehow, even with these numbers, he managed to be called up to the Yankees at the end of 2013 and pitched reasonably well in eight “specialist” appearances, tallying 3.2 innings and a 2.45 ERA.

Cabral had an inning to be remembered in his brief time with New York early this past season. It was the ultimate pitcher’s inning from hell.

Against the Rays on April 18^th, Cabral gave up a single to Ben Zobrist. He then threw a wild pitch before giving up an RBI single to Brandon Guyer. Next he hit Evan Longoria and James Loney, with Wil Myers then driving in two runs with a single. Unbelievably Cabral then hit Logan Forsythe in the back before plate umpire Joe West tossed him from the game and ended the carnage.

Joe Girardi came out to defend his pitcher, who was clearly not throwing at anyone. If he did, probably none would have been hit. Not surprisingly, Cabral was sent down the next day.

Just a couple of years ago he was spoken of by scouts as having a smooth delivery with a low 90s fastball and effective circle change. He was also written of as having good control. Again, the numbers do not support that … practically at any point in any stop in the minors.

Could it be that he is lighting it up in winter ball? Checking that out, he is indeed pitching for the Aguilas Cibaenas of the Liga de Beisbol Dominicano. He has been in 13 games with a 4.76 ERA in 5.2 innings, giving up ….. wait for it ….. six walks!

So, this sounds like another project for “Fresh Eyes” and Company. I’ll cheer for it to happen.