After batting only .181 in 1999, Cabrera established himself as the Indians utility-man of choice in 2000. His ability to play either of the middle-infield positions or anywhere in the outfield kept him on the big league roster for most of the season. He struggled at the plate at first, going 0 for 8, but eventually established himself as a competent hitter, batting .251 in 175 at-bats. Cabrera specialized in putting the ball in play, striking out and walking with equal rarity.
Cabrera brother, major leaguer Orlando Cabrera, played shortstop for the Expos. Both brothers were originally drafted by the Expos organization.
(EPW)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»April 7, 2001: In the 10th against the Indians, the Orioles shift LF Delino DeShields behind 2B with one out and the bases loaded. RF Brady Anderson moves to shallow LF and CF Melvin Mora moves to right center. Jolbert Cabrera hits a fly near the LF line to Anderson who fires a strike to get the surprised runner Ellis Burks trying to score. The O's score two in the top of the 11th to win, 4–2.
»August 5, 2001: The Indians tie a major league record (the Tigers, June 18, 1911 and the Athletics June 15, 1925) by overcoming a 12–run deficit to shock the Mariners, 15–14 in 11 innings. Cleveland, which trailed 12–0 and 14–2, scores three runs in the 7th inning, four in the 8th, and five in the 9th to become the 1st team in 76 years to come back from a 12–run hole. With one out in the bottom of the 11th, Kenny Lofton singles, goes to 2nd when Omar Vizquel singles and Jolbert Cabrera's RBI single completes the comeback. Vizquel had tripled with the sacks full in the 9th off All-star reliever Kazuhiro Sasaki.
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