Is Losing Juan Uribe That Bad?

In a word, no.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love Juan, for a variety of reasons. He’s hilarious and a fantastic clubhouse guy. He’s always had a thing for the clutch moment and he was (despite his horrible batting average) an intricate cog in the Giants World Series run.

But for all the good Juan brings, he certainly has a long list of downfalls as well.

Some might take this as a broken heart bashing, but, it’s far from it. Most of us would have made the same choice as EW-REEE-BAY. He’s forever been a back burner player. That guy that you enjoy having, but, if he was gone tomorrow….it wouldn’t be any sweat off your back. So to get a massive paycheck and have job security for three years at his age, the choice makes complete sense.

It also makes sense the Giants didn’t attempt to match the Dodgers offer. Yes, the Giants have some clear issues on the left side of the infield and unfortunately those issues become even more glaring with a weak free agent market. But let’s not get it twisted – Juan Uribe wasn’t exactly Cal Ripken Jr. here. This is the same guy who hit .248 this season and other than his impressive 2009 season, it’s a guy who hasn’t hit over .250 since 2005. Uribe was also nagged by continuing leg issues for the majority of the season and while he can make some of the most beautiful defensive plays you’ll ever see, he also botches some of the most simple. Statistically speaking, he’s always been a much better second or third baseman than a shortstop. Is that worth 21 million dollars over three years? Not to a team who needs to protect their future assets.

I’m not making an attempt to diminish what Juan did for the Giants in the least bit, so, don’t take it that way. I’m just saying…he’s far from irreplaceable. He did have some massive hits for the Giants and without him, the Giants don’t even make the playoffs let alone win the World Series. But his production can be replaced.

Losing his clubhouse presence is a concern, but with a collective group like the Giants, much as they’ll miss him….they’ll survive.

So, for one last time – Juan, thank you. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the jump out of my bed, run around the house naked screaming at the top of my lungs till the neighboors call the cops moments…thanks for the rocket arm defense….thanks for the 2010 World Series Championship.

The memories will always be property of the San Francisco Giants, despite the different colored uniform.

Jazz hands wont ever look right in blue and white though.