Melky finds right fit in Pirates' outfield

CHICAGO -- Even before the Pirates became the eighth big league team Melky Cabrera has played for during his 15-year Major League career, manager Clint Hurdle knew exactly what he was getting.

Hurdle spoke with people who know Cabrera and officials from teams he played for -- not only to see what the 34-year-old outfielder could bring to the Pirates on the field, but also what he could deliver in the clubhouse.

Cabrera hasn't needed much time to make his presence known.

Entering Monday's game against the Cubs, Cabrera was hitting .391 with three RBIs, two of which came on Sunday in a 3-for-4 performance in the Pirates' 7-5 victory over the Reds. As accustomed as Cabrera has become to making fresh starts with new teams, his strong start has made him a welcome addition in Pittsburgh.

"We always come in with the mentality that we want to fit well, we want things to take off well and right now, things are running very, very well," Cabrera said through an interpreter before Monday's game.

Cabrera's contributions have been more out of necessity, as injuries have hit the Pirates' outfield hard. Left fielder Corey Dickerson is out with a right shoulder strain, while right fielder Gregory Polanco underwent surgery on his left shoulder in September. Polanco started a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Bradenton on Sunday and went 0-for-2 with two walks. His replacement in right field, Lonnie Chisenhall, is out with a fractured right index finger.

"No one ever desires for their teammates to get injured or to go through anything like that, but at the same time, that's part of the game," Cabrera said. "I'm grateful that the team, the manager and the organization has trusted me, believes in me and has provided me the opportunity. My mentality has always been to be ready and to be prepared."

Given Cabrera's age (34), Hurdle said he will need to be mindful of how he uses Cabrera, who started in right field on Monday and will benefit from Tuesday's off-day. Cabrera said he still considers himself to be young, but Hurdle said he will get Cabrera out of games early when possible and take advantage of off-days to keep getting the most out of the veteran outfielder with a "steady, consistent bat."

"We're not surprised [with his production], and if you've watched him for 14 years, you've seen it play out," Hurdle said. "We were of the mindset that there was still life in the body and there were still skills that were going to play."

'New' surroundings
The Pirates became the first team to take up space in the renovated visitors' clubhouse at Wrigley Field. The improvements, which were done over the offseason, included widening a room that, until now, was cramped. New lockers were installed and a new manager's office was built that includes windows and a view to the street outside. Hurdle, for one, was impressed.

"The one thing you count on in life is change, and here, it might have been time for a change," Hurdle said. "I'm probably the only person who framed it up that it might have been time. I think everybody would say it was past time and they have done a fantastic job all over this place."

Asked if he would somehow find a way to leave his mark as the first manager to spend time in the office, the wheels in Hurdle's mind began to roll. Hurdle said he has twice signed the inside of Fenway Park's famed Green Monster and that as much as he loves the historic values of older ballparks, he's all for keeping up with the times.

As for what lasting impression he might leave at Wrigley, Hurdle replied, "You've piqued my interest. We'll see."