Crosby
Shortly before introducing Garciaparra and Cabrera to the media, the Athletics met with Crosby, who has publicly expressed his displeasure.
"We had a conversation with him this morning,'' assistant GM David Forst told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. "Some things were addressed, but I don't want to go into what we talked about.''
Cabrera will displace Crosby as Oakland's regular shortstop, and Garciaparra could further reduce any at-bats Crosby might get coming off the bench.
"I've enjoyed it here, but the best thing for me is to go somewhere I can be an everyday shortstop," Crosby told the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this week amid reports of the signings. "They've made up their minds, and I just hope they can give me the opportunity to move on."
The 34-year-old Cabrera had been in camp for two days and worked out with the A's before Friday's exhibition against the Seattle Mariners.
"I'm just happy to be playing baseball," he said Thursday in a brief statement.
Garciaparra
Cabrera
Garciaparra, limited to 55 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season because of injuries, was due to arrive in camp before game time. The 35-year-old batted .264 with eight homers and 28 RBIs last year, and strongly considered retirement in the offseason.
Cabrera, a two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .281 with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 161 games with the Chicago White Sox last season. He's also played for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels over a 12-year career.
The addition of both infielders gives the young A's four players 34 and older. Russ Springer (40) and Jason Giambi (37) are the oldest players on the roster.
Crosby won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2004. But he's since been dogged by injuries, and he batted .229, .226 and .237 over the past three seasons.
Sources: Oakland Athletics, shortstop Orlando Cabrera agree to deal
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