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« Wolf, Dodgers Resume Talks | Main | Mets, Maine Avoid Arbitration »
Giants Sign Juan Uribe
10:47pm: Ken Rosenthal's source says the Giants' Uribe signing will not affect their pursuit of Crede.
2:58pm: According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Giants signed infielder Juan Uribe to a minor league deal potentially worth about $1MM. Not sure if this affects the team's interest in Joe Crede.
Uribe, 30 in March, hit .247/.296/.386 for the White Sox in 353 plate appearances last year while playing second base, third base, and a little bit of shortstop. Based on the plus/minus system, his defense has been below-average in recent years.
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he and edgar rentaria will meld together to form some form of super-super sub.
Posted by: jaydestro | January 29, 2009 at 02:59 PM
the giants will love his free swinging, i love the fastball above my head plate approach
Posted by: gosox33 | January 29, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Hopefully he's not the Giants starting second baseman. That would be bad. I guess he'd be a servicable utility infielder...I guess.
I'd rather stick with the kid Burriss at second and sign Crede for third.
Posted by: thegamev1 | January 29, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Uribe cant hit but he is one of the best defensive infielders in the game.
Posted by: ChiSoxKilla23 | January 29, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Nice pickup giants!
Posted by: NedCollettiClueless | January 29, 2009 at 03:14 PM
WHATT??
>:(
Posted by: 55saveslives | January 29, 2009 at 03:14 PM
"Based on the plus/minus system, his defense has been below-average in recent years."
contradicts...
"Uribe cant hit but he is one of the best defensive infielders in the game."
The Giants surely could have put this $1 million to much better use somewhere else (addressing their need at 3B, or need for a solid #3 hitter).
I can see why Giants fans would be somewhat frustrated at this signing.
Posted by: MrBlake14 | January 29, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Yea! The Cubs are not signing another middle infielder. This makes me happy!
Posted by: Dan | January 29, 2009 at 03:20 PM
I don't get this signing.....unless the Giants are done with Aurilia in the utility role
Posted by: SFnative | January 29, 2009 at 03:23 PM
It also means the Dodgers won't take on any more left-over middle infielders from the Chi Sox (Pablo Ozuna anyone?).
So if anything, the Giants actually DID the rest of the league's fans a favor haha.
Of course I'm not one to talk consider the Dodgers have had some sub-stellar signings this off-season. Although, I must say the acquisition of Mark Lorretta has the potential for great value as a utility infielder (possibly platooning at 2B with DeWitt).
Posted by: MrBlake14 | January 29, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Aurilia would have cost more, but he would give the Giants more bang for their buck. Whereas Uribe will be utterly useless, offensively, going from one of the friendliest hitter parks, to one of the worst.
Posted by: MrBlake14 | January 29, 2009 at 03:25 PM
This is the first dumb move of the off season for Sabes. I was happy with the RP signings, with Randy Johnson, and I do think Renteria will be a serviceable SS again in the NL, but Uribe??? I mean, it's questionable if this guy should even be playing in the bigs. And if this means the Giants aren't resigning Aurilia, then it's doubly stupid. Uribe's an f'n good for nothing hack.
And the Giants most definitely DO NOT need Crede, either.
Posted by: lrs77 | January 29, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Well thank God... I seriously no lie had a nightmare about the Twins signing Uribe ...
I pray to all things holy we snag Crede now ...
Posted by: twinsfan | January 29, 2009 at 03:36 PM
"Based on the plus/minus system, his defense has been below-average in recent years."
contradicts...
"Uribe cant hit but he is one of the best defensive infielders in the game."
Believe me this system contradicts his defensive last year. He was more than solid with the glove and made some really impressive plays, however he's pretty bad offensively he could be a home-run type hitter but he usually just looks over matched at the play.
Posted by: quentin2 | January 29, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I think Uribe is living off his defensive reputation from years ago. That much data rarely lies.
Posted by: Tim Dierkes | January 29, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Thank goodness, I was starting to worry that aliens took over Sabeans body. This stupid move confirms its still him =(.
Posted by: JaCobyShaddix | January 29, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Well and you have to take into consideration some players make spectacular looking plays, whereas other players make those same plays look much more routine.
Take Matt Kemp for example through about half-way through last season. Before that he would take circuitous routes to fly balls, and end up having to make spectacular looking, diving catches. Uribe, as far as I could see from last season, was in this case.
Even so, if you are signing a player to the amount the Giants signed Uribe at, you'd expect a lot more than average defense from him (especially when the signing appears to be for a bench/utility infielder role).
Posted by: MrBlake14 | January 29, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Babies, babies....its a minor league deal...no need to get your panties in a bunch...Bruce Dickinson's got a fever, and its more useless middle infielders!
Posted by: djperalta | January 29, 2009 at 03:47 PM
It is a minor league deal!!! There is no risk! He adds depth.. and if there is an injury, we dont need to see bocock up again.
Posted by: putmeincoach | January 29, 2009 at 03:50 PM
at least it is a minor league deal. I guess he's sort of an insurance policy if anything.
Posted by: nostocksjustbonds | January 29, 2009 at 03:51 PM
257/300/457 vs LHp in ’07. 254/325/465 Vs. LHP in ’08 and ability to field 3 infield positions has some value. Especially with Ishikawa and Sandoval not having shown then can handle LHP yet. Uribe has to make the club to get his pay day and he should basically replace Ochoa. As long as Botchy doesn’t plant him as the starting second baseman I am fine with this.
Posted by: daveinexile | January 29, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Boy! Sabean loves to waste money
Posted by: enut | January 29, 2009 at 04:05 PM
i GUESS this is an ok signing for a utility guy, but im sure im speaking for all giants fans when i say Aurilia is a much better alternative
Posted by: BBGiants25 | January 29, 2009 at 04:26 PM
The plus/minus system only grades Uribe as below average because he had to play a lot of third base in 2008 to fill in for Joe Crede.
At third, Uribe isn't nearly the fielder he is in the middle infield.
His UZR's from 2008:
3B: -3.4 (-2.3 career)
SS: 0.2 (10.5 career)
2B: 2.1 (8.3 career)
Clearly, his performance in 2008 wasn't anywhere near poor defensively.
He's closer to league average at all the infield positions, which would have more value if he actually had some plate discipline to go with his power.
Posted by: scribbletone | January 29, 2009 at 04:28 PM
the sad part is we have a huge hole at 3B
Posted by: JaCoby Shaddix | January 29, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Uribe is a horrible hitter but I don't think I've ever seen a player who could play (SS, 2B and 3B combined) at such a high level defensively...
Posted by: Svengoolie | January 29, 2009 at 04:44 PM
"the sad part is we have a huge hole at 3B"
No necessarily,can always put Uribe's beer keg resembling self there now and play 3rd.. Seriously, whatever happened to him last year? he looked like he put on 20+ pounds and all of a sudden quit hitting and imagine.. lost his range on defense as well. No wonder he took a low ball minor league contract.
Posted by: johns | January 29, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I don't know. This signing isn't being confirmed anywhere else but SI.com. I'm holding out hope it's a false lead.
Posted by: lrs77 | January 29, 2009 at 05:32 PM
"WOW only a minor league deal. As a White Sox fan i know how Uribe is. His glove is consistantly great at 3rd,2nd,SS,and when hot he could carry a team, but when cold u feel like he should just be released. You just got to know when to use him
Posted by: MorrisonSox | January 29, 2009 at 04:59 PM"
What he said.
Posted by: astralpanda | January 29, 2009 at 06:17 PM
I was hoping Sabes wouldn't make a dumb move like this but now he did
We're lettin Richie leave for this
AT LEAST ITS A MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT
Posted by: Bleacher_bum_SF | January 29, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Truly a bummer for all Giants fans--kiss $1M goodbye for no reason. I'd rather see it given to anyone/anything resembling a solution to their real holes in their game.
Posted by: dwa18 | January 29, 2009 at 06:29 PM
The Giants will need Uribe if they sign Crede, since he'll miss approximately 40-50 games.
Posted by: BenJonesBadPosts | January 29, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Yeah this signing should provide depth at the infield positions.
Maybe even some leverage in contract negotiations with Crede.
Posted by: kdub | January 29, 2009 at 07:09 PM
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/extrabaggs/2009/01/29/giants-add-juan-uribe-to-infield-mix/
Some good stuff from Baggs.
"One other impact: Uribe would give the Giants a true backup shortstop to Edgar Renteria, which would allow them to send Emmanuel Burriss to the minors for everyday at-bats. Burriss, for all the strides he made last season, still needs seasoning."
Posted by: kdub | January 29, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Uribe and his blonde facial hair live to play another day:)
Posted by: Tomahawk368 | January 29, 2009 at 07:14 PM
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090129&content_id=3783490&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf
Also being reported on sfgiants.com
Posted by: kdub | January 29, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Well whatever you can take both of our 3rd basemen from last year, we'll take our chances with Josh Fields, a better alternative to Uribe, and as always you can't count on Crede so it should be interesting to see a guy who hit 23 home runs in 100 games in '07 will pan out. Hopefully he can keep those K's down though.
Posted by: quentin2 | January 29, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Dont really see the point of this signing..low risk low reward.. Its only a minor league contract with an invite to spring so its not for sure this guy will be on the opening day roster. if he doesnt do anything imoressive in spring training he's gone.
Posted by: FutureGiantsGM | January 29, 2009 at 10:10 PM
this pretty much means Burriss is in Fresno this year.
Posted by: Longing for Manny...Burriss that is!!! | January 29, 2009 at 10:45 PM
By winters end 1/3 of their starting lineup is going to be starters of the 2005 World Series Champions.
Posted by: Tough | January 29, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I don't care what everyone says. This is a decent signing. He has good power, a good arm, and can play average defense all around the infield. With a minor-league deal, how could they go wrong? He's basically Wilson Betemit only slightly better defensively...
Posted by: mitchell | January 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Most of what is being spewed here is false info. As a White Sox fan, I have seen him since he came to the team in 2005. Here are some things that you people need to know.
#1 Juan Uribe would lead the league in K's if he batted higher than 8 or 9 in the line-up.
#2 As stated earlier, he is really streaky and watching him at the plate when he is cold is quite the daunting task.
#3 He provides excellent power for a middle infielder and/or a 7-8-9 hitter
#4 Screw the stat geeks, he is above-average or better at all 3 middle infield positions.
#5 If my opinion means anything, I went into 2008 screaming about him starting at 2B because he is such a liability offensively and came out of the season wanting him back because he filled in great for Crede. He was hitting like .180 or something until he came off the DL and started playing 3B and he raised his average a ton and won maybe 2-3 games for the team with clutch hitting.
If he makes the team, I wonder how he will perform as a pinch-hitter when called upon. I am not knowledgeable on the Giants positions players aside from maybe 6 of the 8 starters, so I don't know if he fits. If he does fit, he would be a great utility infielder and I wish the Sox kept him instead of getting Wilson Betemit.
Posted by: MDWhiteSoxFan | January 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM
oh yeah and as Mitchell said...he has an awesome arm at 2B because of years as SS
Posted by: MDWhiteSoxFan | January 29, 2009 at 11:14 PM
bring on crede!
Posted by: BBGiants25 | January 29, 2009 at 11:36 PM
quit whinin. uribe has a strong accurate arm and he will give you more than 20 hrs. especially in that lowsy ass league.
Posted by: Da Man | January 29, 2009 at 11:42 PM
home runs.
Posted by: Da Man | January 29, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Uribe made seven fewer plays than the average shortstop in 2007, playing over 1300 innings there.
Posted by: Tim Dierkes | January 29, 2009 at 11:45 PM
what a joke
Posted by: Leland11 | January 29, 2009 at 11:54 PM
What's a lowsy ass?
Is that a league where there are 2 DH hitters? And a gold ball in the 9th inning?
Posted by: kdub | January 30, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Wasnt Uribe a power hitting force with the Sox a couple years ago ?
I still hope Crede comes to SF, he would be the cleanup hitter, and bat behind Rowand..
Posted by: TripleHHH | January 30, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Don't be surprised if Uribe starts at 2B for the Giants and Crede starts at 3B. Burriss goes to Fresno for the year, Uribe will spell Renteria at SS, and Frandsen will back up at 2B and 3B. And they'll go with Pablo at 1B, with Ishikawa as a late-inning defensive replacement. A bargain-basement infield with light-years' better offense than last year's team.
Posted by: Buck Henry | January 30, 2009 at 01:32 AM
"It is a minor league deal!!! There is no risk! He adds depth.. and if there is an injury, we dont need to see bocock up again."
Hehehehe! Bocock! One of the best names out there. Not based on his ability or talent or anything like that, just on the name alone! :)
Posted by: cutmeibleedblue | January 30, 2009 at 02:03 AM
decent deal for both parties.
Posted by: Tomahawk368 | January 30, 2009 at 03:47 AM
it's for under a million... it's a good deal stop complaining.
Posted by: Giant Deric | January 30, 2009 at 07:34 AM
People really should read the article before posting
"potentially worth about $1MM"
The deal is not worth one million, it is a minor league contract, that probably through incentives could be worth $1 Million.
Scribbletone thanks for the post on the breakdown of his defense last year. Bad job out of Tim for missing that breakdown. If the Giants put at third he will be a liability, but he will be more than serviceable as a defensive utility man at SS and 2B. The post should really be amended to clarify that.
Posted by: Chris | January 30, 2009 at 09:05 AM
actually his defense has been great.. sure he has made a few errors but he has made some amazing plays.. i saw almost every game he played at the cell.. i went to 70-75 games last year.. and everyone LOVES his defense.. at second short and third when crede went down he really stepped it up and played better d than cede last year.. crede made more unbelievable plays but booted a ton of easy ones.. his back really killed him the last two years.. but Uribe has been a solid defender with a gun for an arm.. sad to see him leave the south side but he never produced in his average or obp.. he will hit you 20 hr's and 80 rbi's but will stike out a ton and not take many pitches though there was a slight improvement over the last 2 years and he became a team player.. understanding the move he had to take from ss for orlando cabrera.. then he understood leaving 2b for alexie.. then when crede had to many lost starts he was at 3rd and did a phenominal job defending.. and his bat woke up a lil bit.. he does hit well with runners on.
Posted by: chisoxrock | January 30, 2009 at 09:42 AM
I'm ok with Burriss in AAA for a full season. The kid has potential to be a really good player.
If he goes down, then I'd rather see Kevin Frandsen start at 2B. Uribe only utility guy at best.
I guess this also means the end for Rich Aurilia for the Giants.
Posted by: 55saveslives | January 30, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I don't know about a waste of money, but Uribe seems like a player a good playoff team would sign as a 2nd utility man... Maybe he turns out to be the poor-man's, cheaper alternative to Aurilia? Middle infield getting crowded if we think Frandsen and Velez are worth giving some innings to...
Posted by: monster_mullet | January 30, 2009 at 06:13 PM