Are the New Browns Too Smart for Their Own Good?
February 19, 2016Where the Browns stand: Outside Linebackers
February 19, 2016Just because the Tribe is already converging upon Goodyear, Arizona doesn’t mean that the team’s front office has packed it up for the spring. According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Cleveland Indians have reached an agreement with veteran third baseman Juan Uribe, pending a physical and some minor visa issues. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the deal is for roughly $5 million.
Sources: Uribe in agreement with #Indians, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 19, 2016
The Indians had been linked to Uribe (“who’s built a bit like Ronnie Belliard’s stockier uncle…”) for much of the last few weeks. Third base was one of several positions of weakness—or, at the very least, uncertainty—for the Indians, and it appears that the team found it to be worthy of addressing. Uribe, who turns 37 in March, produced a slash line of .253/.320/.417 with 14 home runs last season between the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. Heading into spring training, the team’s only third baseman was 24-year-old Giovanny Urshela, who comes with a plus glove, but produced a .608 OPS in 81 games last season.
Uribe, a right-handed bat, has produced better against left-handed pitching in recent years, hitting .272 (.893 OPS) against southpaws last season, compared to .246 (.683 OPS) against righties. According to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, Uribe’s addition could send Urshela to Triple-A Columbus while the veteran could share time at third with switch-hitting utility man Jose Ramirez, who has fared better against right-handed pitching.
The Indians had also monitored the free agency of third baseman David Freese, but cost and Uribe’s glove work (positive DRS, 2.3 UZR/150) compared better than the long-time St. Louis Cardinal.
7 Comments
Will be interesting to see if Francona uses him in a platoon or if he sees the bulk of the 3B at-bats.
Visa issues? Is that you, Fausto?
“Bulk” is the right word to use for Uribe
Apparently this joke works on multiple levels 🙂
Roberto*
Anticipated, but good move nonetheless. No pressure on Urshela.
Nice move. The Indians definitely got Uribe at the right price and only had to commit one year to him. It adds another right-handed bat to the pile. The .421 SLG and 14 HR’s don’t read like much but on this team, they make a difference. And it removes a hole in the lineup.