Friday, December 03, 2010

Keith Law Prescribes To Giants' "Fluke" Theory, In Describing Uribe (And Questioning His New Contract)

From ESPN.com's Keith Law (insider only) his take on the Uribe deal (and look at the adjective he uses!):

• The Dodgers gave three years and $21 million to Juan Uribe, he of the .302 OBP (once you back out intentional walks) in 2010, a walk year in which he posted career highs in walks and home runs. Putting men on base was not a strength of the Dodgers before they added Uribe, with only Andre Ethier and oft-injured Rafael Furcal coming off seasons where they posted OBPs over .350. Uribe, meanwhile, has never so much as seen a .330 OBP and eats up some of the value he adds on defense by making extra outs at the plate -- and since his BABIP and home run total were both flukishly high in 2010, he's not a great bet to earn his salary over the course of the deal. I liked Uribe on a shorter-duration deal and/or for a club that needed defense but had guys who got on base at higher clips, but the Dodgers don't seem like a good fit for his skill set.

I appreciate SoSG Dusty Baker, among others, leading the charge to give Uribe a chance next year (and the two years after). I like his thinking. I'm going to try and keep an open mind about this one.

10 comments:

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I have to say, while the deals the Dodgers have made have been slightly less than stellar, I'm loving the hot stove league this year. It's definitely keeping my interest in baseball peaked, and it makes me eager to start the new season even more.

Kyle Baker said...

Preach it, MLASC.

Interesting Keith Law piece. I wonder what Keith Sweat has to say about it all?

MR.F said...

I really hate the Uribe contract, but I'm intrigued by what he can add to the team.

I'm much less excited about Barajas though.

Kyle Baker said...

Well, aren't we just a big old Mr Poopy Pants, Mr. F.

Nostradamus said...

Yeah, maybe maybe the Barajas contract isway too much, but it is only 1 year. Minimal damage.

Kyle Baker said...

God damn, Chelsea. I woke up early for this?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I thought you wanted a middle infielder with pop, Mr. F?

MR.F said...

Did I say that? I don't remember. I'm both excited and afraid for Uribe, so I'm not a complete poopy pants.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I know someone said something about getting a middle infielder with power.

Kyle Baker said...

complete poopy pants <==Mr F