His Boston Stay Was Short and Sweet

He was anonymous for four months of 2004 and an “idiot” for three months -- one of a band of brazen brothers who pushed the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years and a six-state region into delirium -- and now he’s an Angel.

It’s been a whirlwind year for shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who changed countries, leagues, coasts and uniforms -- twice -- but through all the upheaval has remained as consistent and reliable as his throws across the infield, which have left an impression on Angel first baseman Darin Erstad.

“I could put a little box by my head, and every time, his throw would hit it,” Erstad said.

It was this steady defense, along with a zest for the game, that endeared Cabrera to the Red Sox and probably will be recognized by their fans when Cabrera returns to Fenway Park tonight for the first time since October’s magical run.

The Red Sox became baseball’s first team to overcome a three-games-to-none deficit and defeated the New York Yankees in the American League championship series, then went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

“That’s immortality right there,” Cabrera said. “We felt like we did something historic.... The whole world was watching that series against the Yankees. They’re going to remember that forever.”

Cabrera, acquired from Montreal at the trading deadline July 31, was hardly fazed by the prospect of replacing Boston star Nomar Garciaparra. Cabrera hit .294 with six homers and 31 runs batted in for the Red Sox, who went 42-18 from Aug. 1 to the end of the season. Cabrera hit .288 with four doubles and 11 RBIs in 14 postseason games.

“He brought a lot of energy to this club at a time we were spinning our wheels as a unit,” Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar said. “Plus, he’s a Gold Glove shortstop. He was a big part of our success.”

He has had a tougher time replacing fan favorite David Eckstein in Anaheim -- at least offensively. He is hitting .240 with three homers, 10 doubles, 15 RBIs and a .300 on-base percentage.

Fans who look at Eckstein’s .302 average and .377 on-base percentage as St. Louis’ leadoff batter may grouse, but when it comes to defense, there is simply no comparison.

Every week, Cabrera has made at least two or three plays that Eckstein, because of his limited range and arm strength, probably wouldn’t have made.

“He’s been a huge asset for our team,” pitcher Jarrod Washburn said. “The guy has made some great plays look routine, and he makes outstanding plays on a regular basis.”

Though he won a Gold Glove with the Expos in 2001, few fans in the U.S. knew much about the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder with the soft hands, great range, quick release and strong arm.

“Like I told the guys in Boston, I feel like I wasted five years in Montreal -- I never got that there,” he said. “It feels good for guys to show me that respect, to hear pitchers say they feel more comfortable when I’m behind them.”

Cabrera, 30, has made two errors and has a .992 fielding percentage; Eckstein has made nine errors and has a .978 fielding percentage.

“Eck was very solid at the routine plays and had a way of compensating for a below-average arm with his release and quickness,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “But with Orlando’s arm strength and range, he’s in a special class of shortstops.”

Cabrera says he’s playing better defense this season than he did during his Gold Glove year in 2001. “But I don’t feel like I’m doing anything special in the field. I’m just doing my job. It feels good when you’re not going good offensively to be contributing something defensively.”

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Boston Red Sox, three games.

Site -- Fenway Park.

TV -- Channel 9 today, Channel 11 Saturday, FSN West Sunday.

Radio -- 710, 1020.

Records -- Angels 31-22, Red Sox 29-24.

Record vs. Red Sox (2004) -- 4-5.

Tonight, 4 PDT -- Kelvim Escobar (2-2, 3.56) vs. David Wells (3-4, 5.96).

Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -- Bartolo Colon (6-3, 2.75) vs. Bronson Arroyo (4-2, 4.06).

Sunday, 11 a.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (3-3, 3.80) vs. Wade Miller (2-1, 4.85).