It seems the Indians are poised to sign free agent SS Orlando Cabrera. The veteran hit .263 in 123 games for Cincinnati last season but was essentially replaced by Edgar Renteria.

Asdrubal Cabrera has been the shortstop in Cleveland for a couple of years now, but came up as a 2B. Orlando has only played 33 career games at 2B. Who plays where is an interesting situation and what it means for the Clippers roster is too.

Heading into spring, Columbus didn’t have a clear Shortstop option, but this move may clear things up. Unless he completely outperforms Jayson Nix, look for Jason Donald, who still has minor league options, to be back in Triple-A at least to start the year. Luis Valbuena might be a good bet to lose out on a spot as well if Adam Everett plays well in ST. If that happens, Luis V might be out of luck in Triple-A too where the infield is going to be a crowded house. Valbuena’s 2010 season (.193 BA 3-1 K-BB ratio) did him no favors, but a very solid rookie campaign in 2009 (38 extra-base hits in 103 games) might be enough to keep him on the utility radar if Everett and Donald falter (though he was terrible at 3B).

Valbuena came up as a 2B, but was rounded out the last few years. Donald is a shortstop by trade, but projects more as a 2B, where he looked comfortable. With Jason Kipnis as the 2B of the (maybe near) future and Lonnie Chisenhall poised to move on 3B, shortstop might be the best bet for young players looking for a regular spot on the Cleveland infield. Asdrubal Cabrera had a very good 2009, but his range last year was down and his overall play might not justify where his salary is going to go in the next few years.

Of course, if the Indians are out of the play-off race in July, look for O. Cabrera to be a trade chip for Chris Antonetti in a TLC Flip-This-House move for the future. Do people still flip houses?

Questions & comments to rmitchell@clippersbaseball.com