Remember Him? – Former Yankee Melky Cabrera Gets Released

October 19, 2010

By Tommy Willet

Got Melky? Not anymore. Just saw this on MLBTraderumors.com:

“The Braves released Melky Cabrera, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Cabrera, who joined the Braves in last winter’s Javier Vazquez trade, was a non-tender candidate after a disappointing season in Atlanta. The 26-year-old hit just .255/.317/.354 in 509 plate appearances this year, so the Braves decided not to tender him a contract worth anything close to his 2010 salary of $3.1MM.

The Braves expected more from Cabrera, but they did obtain Arodys Vizcaino in the Vazquez deal. The 19-year-old right-hander was pitching well in the minors before a torn elbow ligament forced him out of action for most of the second half.”

I think I speak for all Yankees fans when I say that Javier Vazquez 2.0 has been a major bust, so it’s pleasurable to see that the Braves haven’t gotten much from the deal either. The only way this trade gets remembered is if the 19-year-old with elbow issues becomes a star, and that already seems unlikely.

That being said, Melky was always well-liked around here, and it’s disappointing to see him struggle. Not to mention surprising; one would assume the switch from the AL East to the NL East would help Cabrera’s numbers, but that certainly wasn’t the case in 2010.

However, the guy is only 26 years of age, and just like MLBTradeRumors suggests, he likely won’t be out of work too long. The guy has playoff experience (not to mention a 2009 World Series ring) and can play all three outfield positions. If he can’t land a starting job somewhere, he’ll undoubtedly get that fourth outfield bench spot on a contender.

Best of luck, Melky.

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