CINCINNATI – Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and closer Chris Perez were picked by other major leaguers for reserve roles on the American League All-Star team. It’s the first time for both players.
They got news of their selections before the final game of a series against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Cabrera was getting ready for the game, while Perez was on his way back from attending his grandmother’s funeral in Florida.
“I just say thank you to everybody,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera has been the most consistent hitter in Cleveland’s offense, while Perez has been nearly flawless in a bullpen that is one of the team’s strengths. The Indians have been one of the majors’ biggest surprises this season, leading the AL Central.
Last year, starter Fausto Carmona was Cleveland’s lone All-Star representative. He has lost 10 games this season and went on the 15-day disabled list before Sunday’s game with a strained right thigh.
“It’s a credit to the major league scouts and the front office, to bring in two All-Stars who have a chance for this to be not the last time for them,” manager Manny Acta said.
Cabrera came to Cleveland in the 2006 trade that sent Eduardo Perez to Seattle. The 25-year-old switch-hitter was batting .294 with a career-high 14 homers and 49 RBIs heading into Sunday’s game. He led American League shortstops in hits, runs, doubles, homers and RBIs.
Cabrera finished second to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in the fan voting for shortstop. Jeter got 4.5 million votes, while Cabrera had 4.07 million.
“What Asdrubal has done this year is nothing short of All-Star caliber,” Acta said. “He’s been a big part of stabilizing our lineup, that’s for sure. He’s been our best hitter from Day One. He’s a good defensive player, too.”
The 14 homers are the biggest breakthrough. Cabrera came into the season with a total of 18 career homers and decided to try to hit for more power. He’s been surprised by his home run total.
“I know I’ve got a little power, but I’ve never tried to use it,” he said. “I just try to hit the ball hard sometimes.”
Acta thought he could hit more homers, but didn’t expect so many so soon.
“I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t surprised by the power numbers,” Acta said. “I always thought he’d be a double-digit (homer) guy, but not double-digit in the first half.”
Cabrera is the first Indians shortstop picked for the All-Star game since Omar Vizquel in 2002.
The Indians got Perez from St. Louis in 2009 as part of the trade for Mark DeRosa. Perez has converted 19 of his 20 save chances this season, including 13 in a row. Since Aug. 12, he is 29 of 30 in save chances.
Perez has been dependable under pressure. He has converted 10 of his 11 save chances with a one-run lead, and 19 of his last 20.
“He looked perfect for that role,” Acta said. “Even this year, he looks calm and in control and has a short memory, though he hasn’t had to use that short memory a lot. He’s gotten a lot of one-run saves with the heart of the order up. Those are legit.”
Perez is the first Indians closer to make the All-Star team since Bob Wickman in 2005.
The game will be played Tuesday, July 12, in Arizona.
