GET ME OUTTA HERE!
Unhappy Cabrera demands trade
SAN FRANCISCO — Asdrubal Cabrera, unhappy with the Mets’ decision to move him to second base on short notice, said Friday he wants to be traded.
The veteran infielder, who was activated from the disabled list, was in the lineup at second base against the Giants at AT&T Park and vowed to give “100 percent,” but he made it clear he is unhappy with his situation.
“If they don’t have a plan for me, I think it’s time to make a move,” Cabrera said, noting he has told his agent to facilitate a trade. “What I saw the last couple of weeks, I don’t think they have any plan for me.”
Cabrera said he wasn’t informed until reporting to the ballpark Friday he was moving from shortstop to second base and would have appreciated a forewarning so he could have played the position during his minor league rehab assignment.
Cabrera also revealed he was asked about moving to third base earlier this season and told team officials he would only make the switch if his 2018 option was exercised.
If Cabrera’s option is declined and he becomes a free agent after the season, he believes his value would be maximized by continuing at shortstop.
“If you want me to move [positions], you have to give me something,” Cabrera said. “I’m not getting mad that they are moving me to a new position because I’m going to try to do my best. The only thing is I think we have to have more communication — a couple of days ago they should have told me — and the team option, too. If you want me to move, I have got to get something.”
Cabrera played second base with the Nationals in 2014, and manager Terry Collins is switching him to the position so Jose Reyes can remain at shortstop. Cabrera has struggled at shortstop this season, showing diminished range and committing 11 errors in 49 games.
“These guys are proud guys and they want to be prepared [for a switch], and one of the things we really didn’t do was give him an opportunity to prepare,” Collins said. “My thing is I know he can play there and I think that gives us our best shot. Jose has played very well and is starting to swing the bat and that’s a positive.”
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson wouldn’t say if he plans to accommodate Cabrera’s trade request. The 31year-old Cabrera — who is making $8.25 million this season — has a .244/.321/.392 slash line with six homers and 20 RBIs.
“As a practical matter, [a trade] is easier said than done, even if I were so inclined,” said Alderson, who met with Cabrera and Collins before the game. “I don’t know that it’s something [Cabrera] really wishes. It’s not a question of satisfying him or not, as a practical matter. We’ll see what develops with all our players.”