2009 Topps Chrome Everth Cabrera Blue Refractor Autograph

In last year’s Rule V draft, the Padres selected an unknown middle infielder from the Rockies.  Since he was taken in the Rule V draft, the team was forced to play him all season or risk sending him back to the Rockies.  A daunting task for someone who never played above Class A.  He was projected by the team’s hierarchy as a SS even though he played only 171 of 219 career games as a 2B.  Hell, the team had the audacity to compare him favorably with Rafael Furcal.

Well, Mr. Cabrera proved he was indeed ready to make the leap from the South Atlantic League to the Majors.  He showed some flashes in the first month of the season.  Enough to get Padres fans worked up over the speed merchant.   When he came back from the DL, he proved that the early start wasn’t a fluke.

In Everth Cabrera, the Padres finally have someone well suited to Petco – a slap hitter who uses his speed to terrorize opposing teams.  With a young lineup featuring guys like Cabrera, Mat Latos, Kyle Blanks, Adrian Gonzalez, and Will Venable, 2010 should be a fun season to watch.

I won this card on Ebay for $13.50.  If he has a similar season next season, I’ll be curious to see how the value of this card holds up.