Reaction: Orlando Cabrera is a Red

Here's the details.   Fun begins after the jump.

Orlando Cabrera is a name.  Reds fans probably know him, they know he's been a shortstop since forever and all that.  But let me say this clearly: he's not a good player.

That said, this isn't a Scott Podsednik-level mistake.  For one, Cabrera's never produced a negative WAR; but last season, he only mustered 0.6.  He was dangerously close to be a complete detriment to his ballclubs in 2009.  That should worry the Reds, for obvious reasons (plus he's 35).

So, in essence, the Reds are paying $4 million for a crappy old shortstop.  

Two schools of thought there.  1) He's in the easier league now, maybe he'll be a 1 or 2 win player again.  2) It's over, and the Reds have wasted a roster spot and $4 million.

Consider their alternative at shortstop, Paul Janish.   Janish is a marvelous fielder (24.6 UZR/150), but he's so bad offensively that he could be allergic to wood (.296 OBP).  I understand not wanting to play that guy, but Cabrera isn't better, and might be worse.

So, let's break the two down.  Janish is a terrific glove but a sub .750 OPS kind of bat.  Cabrera is a zero defensively (by zero I mean he costs you runs) and probably won't crack .750 either.

I'd take Janish.  Remember, this is shortstop we're talking about.  It's nice to have a great glove there.  In fact, other than catcher (where the Reds are playing a corpse), there's no other place you'd rather want a premium glove. 

Oh yeah, and Janish is considerably cheaper than Cabrera.  Why not play Janish--accept the glove and the bat--save the money and spend it in the draft?

Signing Cabrera seems to be more about wanting a veteran presence, and admittedly Janish's awful hitting would get old.  Problem is, Cabrera's not a better player, so what's the friggin' point?

Start Janish and at least you get a premium glove.  Start Cabrera and you get nothing.

Email Adam at adamdadkins@gmail.com and follow him @adamdadkins on Twitter.