Goldeyes Acquire Run Producer Cabrera
Published on July 7, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Goldeyes acquired outfielder Willie Cabrera from the Joplin Blasters on Thursday afternoon in exchange for a player to be named later.
In 44 games with the Blasters this season, Cabrera hit .307 with eight home runs and 43 RBI. Cabrera enters Thursday second in the American Association in RBI. The Los Angeles, California native has hit safely in 30 of 44 games this season, while collecting multiple hits in 16 contests. Cabrera has also posted 11 multi-RBI games, including a five-RBI night on June 19th versus Sioux Falls.
Cabrera has been one of the American Association's premier run producers since 2012. A right-handed hitter and fielder, Cabrera hit over .300 with double digit home run totals for the St. Paul Saints in three consecutive seasons from 2012-14. Cabrera then hit .347 with 19 RBI in 44 games for the Grand Prairie AirHogs during the second half of 2015. Cabrera's 225 RBI in the American Association are the second most in the league over the last five seasons. Cabrera also proved a Goldeyes' nemesis, hitting .315 against Winnipeg with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in 31 head-to-head games.
Cabrera joins the Goldeyes with a lifetime .290 batting average, and more base hits (1,082) than games played (981). The 29-year-old Cabrera has averaged 85 runs scored, 36 doubles, 16 home runs, and 92 RBI per 162 games during his 11-year professional career.
Cabrera was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round in 2005 out of Los Angeles Pierce College (Woodland Hills, California). Cabrera has four years of experience at the Double-A level, and twice reached Triple-A in the Braves' organization.
Left-handed pitcher Conor Spink was placed on waivers and cleared. Spink is now a free agent.
The Goldeyes' active roster currently stands at the American Association maximum of 23 players.
Cabrera will be in uniform tonight when the Goldeyes open a four-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries. First pitch from Sioux Falls Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on 93.7 FM CJNU and worldwide at www.cjnu.ca
The Goldeyes return home on Tuesday, July 12th when they face the Sioux City Explorers at Shaw Park. Tickets for all Goldeyes' home games are on sale now by calling 1-855-GOLDEYE, visiting www.goldeyes.com, or stopping by any Ticketmaster location, including the box office at Shaw Park. For information on season tickets, 10-Game Mini Packs, or group outings, call the Goldeyes' office at (204) 982-2273.
American Association Stories from July 7, 2016
- Eight-Run Seventh Propels Goldeyes - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Eric Veglahn Gets First Pro Win in 3-1 Victory over RedHawks - St. Paul Saints
- Goldeyes Score 10 Runs over Final 3 Innings to Defeat Canaries 10-4 - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Barnes, 'Dogs Down Joplin in Set Opener - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Game Notes: July 7 at Gary - Wichita Wingnuts
- Goldeyes Acquire Run Producer Cabrera - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Yankees Sign Reliever Herstine - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Sweep Twinbill, Win Series vs. Lincoln - Texas AirHogs
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