MONTREAL– The Montreal Expos today agreed to terms with shortstop Orlando Cabrera on a one-year contract for the 2003 season, avoiding salary arbitration in the process. The announcement was made by Expos' Vice-President and General Manager Omar Minaya.

Cabrera last year hit .263 (148x563) with seven HR, 56 RBI and 64 runs in 153 games. He set career highs with 43 doubles and 25 stolen bases, while tying his personal best in runs, set in 2001. The native of Cartagena, Colombia placed third in the National League last year in doubles, tied with teammate Jose Vidro, marking a second consecutive season with at least 40 doubles.

Cabrera, 28, made team history last year by stealing 21 bases in a row, breaking the previous Expos' season record of 20 straight stolen bases, set by Tim Raines in 1981. Cabrera, who won a Gold Glove award in 2001, reached two milestones last year, collecting his 500th career hit June 4 versus Pittsburgh and his 250th RBI July 28 against Florida.

Off the field last season, the Cabrera's Cash for Kids program donated $8,000 to Prospect, a baseball program helping Montrealers aged 6-22 years improve in sports and in education. Cabrera contributed $50 for each RBI and double play involvement he had, as well as $100 for his triple play involvement September 3.

Signed by the Expos as a non-drafted free agent June 1, 1993, Cabrera made his major-league debut in 1997. In 639 career games, he has batted .262 (595x2272) with 45 HR, 270 RBI and 271 runs scored. The signing of Cabrera leaves only pitchers Joey Eischen, Orlando Hernandez and Javier Vazquez eligible for salary arbitration.

MONTREAL EXPOS – 16 January 2003