Just who is Asdrubal Cabrera anyway?
Most baseball fans have no idea. Heck, those in Cleveland didn't even know who Cabrera was before August 7, when he was called up to become the Indians' utility infielder.
A couple of weeks later, he was the starter at second base. And now he's playing a major role with a team on pace to make the playoffs.
A look at Cabrera and 14 other relatively anonymous players who will impact the pennant race in the 2007 season:
Maicer Izturis, Angels
MLB
Who is he?: A 27-year-old from Venezuela who is a career utility player, but is hardly playing like it for the American League West leaders.
The lowdown: Izturis has been invaluable to the Angels, practically playing every day in the infield as they have battled injures to starters Chone Figgins, Howie Kendrick and Orlando Cabrera. They haven't missed a beat with Izturis in the lineup with "Mighty Mouse." He's hitting .276 and has tied a career-high with five home runs.
Mark DeRosa, Cubs
MLB
Who is he?: Always looked at as a solid utility player, the 32-year-old DeRosa is playing mostly at second base for the Cubs.
The lowdown: Many Cubs fans didn't like the acquisition of DeRosa, who signed a three-year, $13 million deal with the Cubs after one good season in Texas. With 62 RBI and a .282 average as of Sept. 1, they're not complaining anymore.
Lastings Milledge, Mets, OF
MLB
Who is he?: The 22-year-old Milledge, a former first-round draft pick, is a backup at all three outfield positions for the Mets.
The lowdown: Milledge has been tabbed as the next big star for the Mets for years. He's hitting .290 with four home runs in 138 at-bats as of Sept. 1. It's a crowded outfield in New York with Carlos Beltran, Moises Alou, Shawn Green and Endy Chavez, but his bat should make him valuable, at least off the bench.
Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners
MLB
Who is he?: The 25-year-old, who left Cuba on a raft and landed in Mexico in November 2003, is in his second season as the Mariners' regular shortstop.
The lowdown: Betancourt faded toward the end of last season, but has kept it up this year with a .289 average and eight home runs and a career-best 53 RBI. He's walked just 15 times, which limits his on-base percentage to .311, but his bat is too good to stay cool for long.
Ryan Raburn, Tigers
MLB
Who is he?: The 26-year-old outfielder stepped into a more regular role for the Tigers when they cut Craig Monroe loose last month.
The lowdown: While rookie Cameron Maybin is going to get some time to prove he's ready for the big leagues in left field, expect plenty of time for Rayburn, who is hitting .320 with three home runs through Sept. 1.
