The Giants have already added one huge piece this week, but apparently they're not done. According to Brent S. Gambill, an executive producer for MLB Network Radio, the Giants have acquired infielder Orlando Cabrera from the Indians in exchange for outfielder Thomas Neal.
Cabrera, 36, began the year as Cleveland's everyday second baseman, but he lost his job recently when top prospect Jason Kipnis got the call. Essentially limited to a bench role with Kipnis and Asdrubal Cabrera around, many speculated that the Indians could trade the elder Cabrera even though they're still contending. That's clearly the case, as the Indians bought big-time earlier tonight by trading for Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez. Cabrera's struggled pretty badly this year, with an ugly .244/.277/.321 line and below-average defensive metrics, but the Giants are never ones to be shy about adding veteran help.
Neal, 24 in August, has spent this season in Triple-A, but his .295/.351/.409 line is pretty underwhelming for a bat-only prospect. The overall numbers seem alright, but his batting average is buoyed by a .375 BABIP, he's walking only 5% of the time, and he's not hitting for much power.