July 30, 2011
GIANTS PAGEGIANTS VIDEO
(CSNAP) -- The Giants have acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Indians, sending outfield prospect Thomas Neal to Cleveland, the team announced via Twitter.
If the Giants reach the playoffs, Cabrera will be the first player in MLB history to reach to playoffs five consecutive years for five different teams.
Cabrera hit .244 with four homers and 38 RBIs in 91 games for Cleveland. He scored the tying run as a pinch runner against the Royals.Neal, 23, hit .295 with two homers and 25 RBIs in 60 games at Triple-A Fresno. He went on the disabled list with a left hand bruise July 17.The defending World Series-champion Giants value Cabrera as much for his pedigree as they do for his ability, manager Bruce Bochy said. The 15-year veteran has made six trips to postseason, including last year, when he helped the Reds to their first division championship and postseason appearance in 15 years. He left after the season and signed as a free with the Indians.Cabrera, 36, is expected to take over at shortstop for the Giants with Miguel Tejada on the disabled list until at least Aug. 4 with a lower abdominal strain.."He is a proven winner," Bochy said of Cabrera. "With Miguel, one of our shortstops going down, we felt like we needed an experienced shortstop who could go out there every day. He was available. It worked out well for us."
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