Jolbert

Cabrera

Cabrera could be back in the outfield today, this time in right to give Ichrio his first day off of the season. Good to see the M’s finding more ways to get Cabrera involved.

Manager Jim Tracy recently called Cabrera his second-best righthanded hitter behind Paul Lo Duca, but hasn’t let him take over second base because he loves Alex Cora’s defense too much. ''Jolbert Cabrera is going to play,”’' Tracy said. ''When you’re searching for offense the way we are right now he’s going to be out there.’' Even at first base.

Last year, manager Jim Tracy called Cabrera his second-best right-handed hitter behind Paul LoDuca, but that still wasn’t enough to earn a regular role on the team that was last in the majors in scoring runs. Cabrera will play regularly this spring until Alex Cora’s arm is healed, and if he can continue to perform as he did yesterday he might steal more at-bats this season. As it is, he should start against lefthanders.

Cabrera hit .318 (7-for-21) while Boone was hurt, and is capable of playing six postions. Even if he plays a few times a week, his offensive contributions will be modest at best.

Alex Cora is expected to start at second base against right-handed pitching.

Cabrera is day-to-day.

Scott Spiezio will only make the rare appearance at third.

Unless an MLB team really wants him, it appears that Cabrera will head to Japan.

The Mariners had no platoon opportunities, so Cabrera wasn’t much of a fit for the team. He belongs in the majors, but he’ll probably make more money in Japan.

Cabrera will either spell Alex Cora or push Cora to shortstop in place of Cesar Izturis. The Dodgers have to find some offense from the middle infield. Until they call up Joe Thurston, Cabrera is a fine option. We’d like to see them stick with him until Thurston is ready, and let Cora and Izturis fight it out for shortstop.