A quick take on O's potential addition of Everth Cabrera

With the news of the Orioles' potential signing of free agent Everth Cabrera, two questions come to mind: What role will he play on the team, and are the Orioles taking a risk on a player with baggage?

While Cabrera was an All-Star in 2013 and led the National League in stolen bases with 44 in 2012, he served a 50-game suspension at the end of 2013 season for his involvement in the Biogenisis performance-enhancing drug investigation.

Beyond that, he was charged in November with resisting arrest after being stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana. A trial is set for April. Some baggage, indeed.

But is there also some level of comparison here with Nelson Cruz in that the Orioles would be taking on a player trying to rehab both his on-field play and off-field image?

This morning, I asked Jim Duquette about that comparison. The former Orioles front office exec is a baseball analyst for MLB Network Radio on Sirius/XM Radio and appears on some of the network's baseball coverage on MASN HD.

"That's a good comparison," Duquette said. "It's not like Cruz was a bad guy and I've heard some good things about Cabrera, too. Buck (Showalter is) ... not going to put up with any garbage, but he also recognizes that everyone is not perfect. You have a chance to get a talented player at a reduced cost. He'll find ways to play him, I'm pretty certain of that."

That is the next question to answer. Surely, Cabrera, who has played mostly shortstop in the majors, is not coming here to play that position. The Orioles already have a Gold Glover there in J.J. Hardy. So would Cabrera come in to challenge Jonathan Schoop for the second base job and/or Ryan Flaherty for the utility infielder spot?

"I think when you sign a guy like this, you look at him as a utility guy first," Duquette said. "Maybe he can play some outfield, too. Look at him in that regard. He's open to that and it expands his chances of playing.

"I know he'd like to play every day, but maybe that everyday job isn't there right now. I wouldn't be surprised if, at some point, you see him getting everyday at-bats in some capacity. Schoop is the incumbent, he gets the first opportunity. But if he takes a step back or there is an injury, this is a guy to plug in."

Duquette said Cabrera is a solid defender.

"He is a quality defender. He's got plus range," Duquette said. "In the past, there were times when there were some issues with his throwing, but overall his defense is plus and some teams were looking at him for shortstop.

"So he's a good quality defender and a year removed from his All-Star season. Can really run and adds a dimension you don't have for the Orioles. He could play himself into an everyday role. That is where a guy like Jonathan Schoop is going to have to prove himself again at spring training. He does add some protection there if Schoop struggles in his second year."

So what is your take on this addition, which is close to becoming finalized?