Prior to the 2011 season, Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera never hit more than 6 home runs in a season, and has hit 18 in 1.400 at bats. He has shown flashes of power in the past, particularly in 2009 when he hit 42 doubles, but has never slugged higher than .438. But this season, it appears Cabrera is having a breakout season.
Yesterday, Cabrera went 5-5 with 2 home runs, 2 runs scored, 5 runs batted in and a stolen base. For the season, he is hitting .302-.363-.522 with 9 HRs, 32 RBIs, 6 SBs and a solid 27-13 K/BB rate. His increase in power is a result of growth in his FB% from 31% to 37%, and growth in his HR/FB% from 3% to 12.7% this year.
He now leads all shortstops in RBIs with 33, and is second only to Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in HRs with 9, and in the top 5 in BA. He is on pace to go 33-118-22 this season. I doubt he will hit 30+ HRs, but can Cabrera go 20-20 this season and approach .300 as well?