Major League Baseball

Dodgers, Uribe agree to 3-year deal

Published Nov. 29, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Dodgers are grabbing one of their arch-rival Giants' postseason heroes, agreeing with free-agent infielder Juan Uribe on a three-year, $21 million contract, pending results of a physical.

Uribe, 31, could play second base for the Dodgers, replacing Ryan Theriot, who might not be offered a contract. He also would offer protection for the oft-injured Rafael Furcal at shortstop and can even play third, enabling the Dodgers to use Casey Blake in left field.

Uribe isn’t an elite hitter, as evidenced by his .300 career on-base percentage. But he established career highs with 24 homers and 85 RBI last season and hit big homers in Game 6 of the NLCS and Game 1 of the World Series.

Furcal, 32, could be entering his final season with the team. His $12 million club option for 2012 becomes guaranteed only if he makes 600 plate appearances, a figure he's reached only once in the past three seasons.

Blake, 37, is also entering the final year of his deal; the Dodgers hold a $6 million option on him for ’12.

A multi-year contract for Uribe would protect the Dodgers at multiple positions this year and beyond.

ESPN.com first reported that Uribe and the Dodgers were close on a three-year deal.

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