Indians’ first baseman Eduardo Perez was traded Friday to the Seattle Mariners for infielder Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera, who hit .236 this season with AAA Tacoma, will be assigned to Buffalo and first baseman Ryan Garko will join the Indians. With the log jam the Indians have at first base, Perez became expendable. Does this signal the beginning of more trades for the Indians now that the season is a lost cause?
Cabrera is only 20 years old and is known for his above average speed and defense. Last season, he was rated as the Mariners’ 6th best prospect and was voted the best defensive second baseman in his league. The Indians clearly are thin at second base and shortstop when it comes to minor league talent so Cabrera may be able to fill that void. I wonder if this trade was made simply to dump Perez and give Garko a chance up at the big league level or if Shapiro really does see a future with this Cabrera kid. Remember, Ronnie Belliard’s contract is up after this season.
this is a good move
reality is setting in, and it it time to bring up guys like garko and get some young talent for guys like perez
This is all so frustrating because the Indians’ middle infielder of the future is now starting for the Cincinnati Reds…
As frustrating as it is watching Brandon Phillips light it up for the Reds, I think both he and the Tribe needed a fresh start. Phillips wasn’t going to play this year, which would’ve meant the Indians had no reason to give him a shot as the starter next season.
As for the Perez trade, it’s a good move because, should the Tribe do the impossible and actually make a run like they did last year, moving Perez isn’t going to hurt their chances this year. Shapiro picked up a potential gold-glove middle infielder in exchange for a platoon player. Good move.