Though their top target appears to be Ben Zobrist, the Giants seem to be casting a wide net in their search for middle infield help. As first reported by Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com over the weekend, San Francisco is interested in Indians' infielders Asdrubal Cabrera and Mike Aviles, if Cleveland decides to sell at the trade deadline.
Cabrera, who is a free agent after this season, has hit .247/.308/.393 on the season, and his defense has been questionable. The former All-Star would likely shift over to second base for the Giants, who have been relying on Joe Panik and the oft-injured Marco Scutaro at the position.
More on the Giants
More on the Giants
Aviles, 33, is slashing .269/.287/.356 in 66 games on the season, and has displayed the ability to play second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions throughout his career. He may serve as a cheaper alternative to the versatile Zobrist, who will probably require a significant haul of prospects in any trade.
Even if the Indians decide not to go into full sell-mode (which is very possible considering they currently sit just two games back in the wild-card race), they could move Cabrera just to get something back for him before promoting top prospect Francisco Lindor to the majors. Lindor will assume the starting shortstop role next season once Cabrera has signed elsewhere in free agency, so the Indians could look to expedite that transition process while getting some value back for Cabrera.
If the Giants are unable to acquire Zobrist, Cabrera or Aviles, they could go another route and look to add the recently-released Dan Uggla, as Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com reported last week. After being cut by the Braves, Uggla is eligible to sign with any team for the league-minimum salary and could be a good depth option for San Francisco.