Cleveland Indians: Was signing Juan Uribe a good move?

The Cleveland Indians have made several additions this winter, but it’s yet to be seen if any will help improve a team that struggled offensively in 2015. Did the Tribe need Juan Uribe?

A little over a month ago, I wrote that I felt Juan Uribe would be a smart pickup for the Cleveland Indians. I in no way felt he would be a game changer, but his versatility would be a solid addition. Most responses disagreed. The disagreement on if it’s a smart addition can continue as he’s now a member of the Tribe for 2016.

His addition creates a foggy future for Giovanny Urshela, at least for this season. Uribe has been known as a solid glove for much of his career but has seen a decline in recent seasons. While he does have the ability to move around the infield he has, for the most part, settled in as a third baseman. So what does that mean for Urshela?

The idea of a platoon is out on the grounds they’re both right-handed. It sounds more likely that Jose Ramirez could find himself in that role while also being more adept at moving over to second or shortstop if needed. As I had mentioned previously, Jason Kipnis, when good, has been very good. But health has been an issue over the past two seasons. Versatility around the infield is nice to have, and in the Indians case has been necessary.

I originally envisioned him as a mentor to Urshela, but it sounds like Gio could find himself back in Columbus for consistent bats to get more work at the plate where he slashed just .225/.279/.330 in 81 games in Cleveland. Many fans believe Urshela hasn’t had a fair chance yet with just half a season, but the Indians don’t appear willing to go all-in on him just yet.

It’s a bit of a conundrum for the Indians’ front office. The team clearly has one of the best pitching staffs in baseball and some talented young players–although unproven over an extended period. So the option has been to sign “safety nets” more so than upgrades. The upgrades come only if players continue the success from last season that was somewhat unexpected (See Mike Napoli). Francisco Lindor can be in that conversation as well. Yes, he’s talented, but there will be an adjustment. He shouldn’t have any issues–but the game of baseball has shown us how cruel and difficult it can be.

More guardians: Indians rich baseball history

I still see Uribe as a good signing, albeit not an exciting one. So not that we have no more Uribe news to report, we may have to jump on the Austin Jackson rumors. Pre-Michael Brantley‘s return, Jackson might actually BE an upgrade. What do you think Wahoo’s?