The announcement that 1B Greg Bird would miss the entire 2016 season put Yankees fans everywhere in a weird place. We thought that this could be the year they compete for ring number 28, and while that’s still not out of the question, the loss of Bird is big. He’s young, and has natural pop in his bat. But that’s life, and more injuries will happen to every team.
So who should the Yankees add to take Bird’s place? Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes it could be veteran Juan Uribe. No, he wouldn’t be an every day starter, but he would provide some stability as Chase Headley‘s backup at third base. If Mark Teixeira needs a day off, or suffers an injury (which isn’t too far-fetched) then Uribe could fill in at third while Headley plays at first. Dustin Ackley is a utility player that has played multiple positions, but looked average at best while playing first. Uribe has also played second base, which only adds to his value.
Uribe has had contract talks with the Cleveland Indians, but the idea of adding Uribe makes sense. He blasted fourteen home runs last season while playing for the Dodgers, Braves, and Mets. The Yankees are not lacking veterans, but the 36 year old is known as a positive guy to have in the clubhouse, and with few options available and spring training drawing near, Uribe may be the best answer.
