Mariotti: Twins Deserve to Party, Miguel Cabrera Does Not

The player that could only be made in South America, where life is cheap.

As Twins fans chanted “al-co-hol-ic!” before his at-bats, Cabrera came out smoking. He doubled to deep center in his first trip, then ripped a two-run homer off Scott Baker in the third to boost Porcello to a 3-0 lead. But as the game went on, it was clear the other Cabrera would have more impact. Not only did Orlando Cabrera hit the two-run homer, he started a sensational double play that ended a late Tigers threat and sprinted off the field like a crazed chicken.

The Good Cabrera is hitting over .400 with 21 runs and 16 RBI since Morneau was injured. The Good Cabrera, though he led all major league shortstops this season in errors, was a sweet July acquisition for the Twins, who gave up a prospect and cash considerations. The Good Cabrera is October gold, having helped the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2004. The best thing that happened to him was getting out of Chicago, where he feuded with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and once called the press box in an attempt to have errors overturned in his favor. He signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Oakland, then was traded to paradise.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said. “I want to be here forever. I want this moment to never end.”

Chances are, it will in a few days. Until then, we’ll all be drinking the Minnesota bubbly, admiring the Twins Way. This while The Bad Cabrera hopefully looks in the mirror, realizes he let down a devastated city that needs a sports championship more than most—and maybe gets some help for his problems before it’s too late. He celebrated a little too soon, a risk seized by a smarter, worthier and more sober group of champs.