The Giants are interested in Indians infielders Asdrubal Cabrera and Mike Aviles, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com (via Twitter). Of course, the Indians have to decide they are sellers, which might come down to the trade deadline. Cleveland’s record is currently 49-47 and they’re 5.5 games behind the Tigers in the division. They’re one of three teams sitting just two games back of the Mariners for the second wild card spot.
Cabrera, 28, will be a free agent following the 2014 season. The shortstop is owed roughly $4MM. His defense draws critical remarks. Over the years, many insiders have speculated Cabrera is better suited to play second base, which fits the Giants’ needs. Aviles, a 33-year-old utility infielder, has a $3.5MM club option for 2015 ($250,000 buyout).
- According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, GM Brian Sabean is unsure where to focus his attention in the trade market. The Giants can stand to improve in multiple areas, including second base, outfield, and the bullpen. Unsurprisingly, Sabean identifies price and availability as the likely determining factors in any trade.
- Marco Scutaro recently returned from the disabled list, but he’s only played one out of four games since re-joining the club. His ability to stay on the field and perform will probably affect the club’s interest in players like Cabrera and Aviles.
- Also per Schulman, outfielder Angel Pagan is expected to remain out beyond the trade deadline. He has yet to resume swinging the bat.
mrnatewalter
Would love to see Cabrera on the Giants.
tribetime1948
Probably wouldn’t cost much either.
Sufferfortribe
So would I. The sooner we open a path for Lindor, the better. And we need to trade ACab while we can still get something for him.
liberalconservative
5 scouts were at the giants AAA game last night scouting the players. Looks like Sabean is offering up some AAA talent.
sportsnut969
Unless the Giants are will to deal Kickham in some type of a deal where Asdrubal + a minor leaguer goes back to the Giants I do not see any type of match here we are absolutely loaded with relief type guys.
Projectable power type hitters corner outfielders / 1st baseman Hi A & above guys and Starters is what they are looking for and Gary Brown is a sub 20 homer projectable major leaguer so he is out.
As far as Aviles he is not going anywhere that is one of Francona boys he will be a fixture here as long as he wants to be as long as Francona is here.
SFGiantsfan_10
You can take Kickham in a heartbeat. For Asdrubal AND a minor leaguer?
Sufferfortribe
Man, I hope not. Maybe Kickham and PTBNL for ACab.
sportsnut969
The only way the Indians get more than a Kickham for Asdrubal if they pick up the rest of the contract and being cleveland fans that player would have to be a real over the top get for Dolan to eat cash of any kind and Kickham would be a nice Lefty starter depth for a guy we are not going to keep anyways.
Lindor should be on this team right now.
Mario Lisson 3rd baseman at AA could be a nice depth pick-up
Duvall is another guy who is blocked his numbers are pretty good all around and he can play 3rd / 1st / 2nd / DH but he is 25 + years old and needs a shot at the majors.
At the Giants lower level I really like Horan / Ryder Jones / Gregorio / Christian Jones / Lujan / but most likely none of these guys are available for a rental.
ramjamrock
Mario Lisson is organizational filler and a minor league FA they picked up this year. Go ahead.
Duvall is not a second baseman. He’s barely a third baseman who has begun to play a little first base because he’s such a clank-mitt at third. I do like him as a bench bat, but not enough to not trade him.
As for the rest, the only one I’d hesitate with is Gregorio. I’m sure they’re all available.
Regarding Kickham, I don’t see him ever getting another shot with Bochy and Sabean unless injuries or options force their hand. He’s exactly the kind of guy they’d love to trade for MLB “inventory.”
SFGiantsfan_10
I honestly don’t see Kickham factoring into the Giants long term plans either. If they can trade him off for Asdrubal Cabrera, he’s probably does more for the Giants as trade bait.
SFGiantsfan_10
Cabrera’s contract isn’t that horrible. As long as he can play a decent 2B, which I’m pretty sure is the reason Sabean’s looking into getting him, it’s worth it.
If we only have to give up Kickham and a PTBNL to get Cabrera, I’d take that deal in a heartbeat in order to fill the void at 2B.
Although I’d rather not see Duvall included in any deal, just because I like his bat coming off the bench. Plus he seems like in a few years, although he’s blocked by Belt, he could possibly develop into a decent backup for him.