Former Indian outfielder Brett Butler signs a two-year, $1.8 million free-agent deal with the Giants. The 31 year-old leadoff hitter, who will play a vital role when San Francisco captures the NL pennant in 1989, replaces Chili Davis, who signed with the Angels, as the team’s center fielder.

On December 1, 1987 — Former Indian outfielder Brett Butler signs a two-year, $1.8 million free-agent deal with the Giants. The 31 year-old leadoff hitter, who will play a vital role when San Francisco captures the NL pennant in 1989, replaces Chili Davis, who signed with the Angels, as the team’s center fielder.

Butler hit .295 with nine home runs, 41 RBI, and 33 stolen bases for Cleveland last season.