Giants sign Juan Uribe

From the Chron.:

"The question remains whether the Giants will pursue former Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede, but on Thursday they signed a player who filled in admirably last season when Crede went down again with a back injury.

Juan Uribe, who as recently as 2007 hit 20 home runs for the White Sox as their starting shortstop, has signed a minor-league contract with the Giants and will compete for a job in spring training. He will earn about $1 million if he makes the team.

Should he stick, the 29-year-old will provide experienced depth at third base, second base and particularly shortstop. Although he is not viewed as a candidate for an everyday job - Pablo Sandoval is still penciled in as the starting third baseman - the team will allow Uribe to make his case in spring training. Even as a backup, he could start at third base against left-handed pitchers, with Sandoval moving to first.

"This is an opportunity for him and an opportunity for us," director of player personnel Bobby Evans said. "It's a good fit for both of us. He can play multiple positions and play them well, short and third in particular."

Team sources stressed that this signing will not preclude the Giants from considering other corner-infield options in their quest for a middle-order hitter - if the right deal comes.

"It's anybody's guess what will happen in the market," Evans said. "We'll be responsive. But we're not under any pressure to sign a third baseman. We're very comfortable with Pablo Sandoval being our everyday third baseman

boston sucks

Another good move by the Giants. I still haven't figured out though why the Giants don't just leave Sandoval at first? Uribe is the better fielder so leave him at the hot plate and Pablo can handle first. Anyhoo, the Giants have had a decent off season and I'm ready to see what these boys can do this season!!

A side note is that Juan is a second cousin to one of my favorite Giants, the late Jose Uribe. Nice to see another Uribe in the Orange and Black.!!

detoxify