2011 MLB Trade Deadline News: Giants Acquire Jeff Keppinger from Astros for Henry Sosa, Jason Stoffel

Read More: mlb, baseball, trade rumors, mlb trade rumors, mlb trade deadline, 2011 mlb trade deadline, july 31 2011, Miguel Tejada (SS - SFG), Jeff Keppinger (2B - TAM), Cody Ross (LF - BOS), Mike Fontenot (SS - PHI), Carlos Beltran (RF - STL), Emmanuel Burriss (2B - SFG), Henry Sosa (P - HOU), Brandon Crawford (SS - SFG), Brandon Belt (1B - SFG), Jason Stoffel (P - HOU), San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros

The San Francisco Giants have made their first move of the trade deadline season, and no, it wasn't Carlos Beltran. 

The newest member of the Black and Orange is Jeff Keppinger, acquired Tuesday from the Houston Astros for minor league RHP's Henry Sosa and Jason Stoffel. Keppinger is a multi tooled fielder who can play second base, shortstop, third base, and if need be outfield. He was batting a very solid .307 in 163 at bats with Houston this season, and will become a staple in the Giants lineup as a platoon infielder along with Mike Fontenot, Brandon Crawford, Emmanuel Burriss and (hopefully) Miguel Tejada. 

Although this isn't a gigantic splash for the G-Men, it is another great move made by Giants GM Brian Sabean and the rest of the team's braintrust. Will Kep be the Cody Ross of the 2011 campaign? That is yet to be seen. But his addition makes the Giants better without a doubt. 

San Francisco also recalled Brandon Belt from AAA Fresno but haven't announced a corresponding roster move. I'd assume it is Brandon Crawford being sent down, who has been seriously slumping at the plate despite playing great defense at shortstop.