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Juan Uribe Has Won Braves’ Starting 3B Job

By John Buhler

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Since coming over to the Atlanta Braves from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Alberto Callaspo trade, all Juan Uribe has done for the Braves is win the starting 3B job away from veteran Chris Johnson.  Uribe’s defense at third base is second to none as his footwork and arm strength gives the Braves arguably the best defensive left side of the infield in all of baseball.  His bat has come to life for the Braves as Uribe is hitting .328 with a .392 on base percentage since joining Atlanta.

-= Related: Braves Trade Alberto Callaspo to Los Angeles Dodgers for Juan Uribe =-

In Los Angeles Uribe rarely saw the field for the Dodgers as Manager Don Mattingly opted to play Justin Turner primarily at third base for the Boys in Blue.  Turner appears to have had a breakout season for LA (.319, 6 HRs, 26 RBIs in 55 games).

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Uribe lost his starting gig with the Dodgers with a .247 average and a .287 OBP while in LA.  But since coming to the Braves on May 27th, Uribe raised his average to .284 on the year with regular playing time.  The 36-year old Dominican infielder has given the Braves their best defense at third base since Vinny Castilla.  His impressive range and outstanding nightly efforts at the hot corner make him one of the most exciting players on the Braves roster.

Juan Uribe is a two-time World Series Champion (2005 Chicago White Sox and 2010 San Francisco Giants).  He brings a great locker room presence to the Braves with a jovial Latin twist.  Players admire his work ethic and his want to compete as a 14-year MLB veteran.  Uribe has made Chris Johnson expendable for the Braves should Atlanta look to make a trade here in the coming weeks.  Though Chris nearly won a batting title for Atlanta in 2013, Uribe gives the Braves better defensive play and more consistency at the plate.

I’m not saying that Atlanta needs to shop either of its third baseman before the trade deadline.  Depth is a great commodity.  But Atlanta could certainly entertain offers from other ball clubs should they be in dire needs for a 3B.  Except the Mets.  We’re not giving them anything!

Trading to get Juan Uribe has been another one of John Hart’s excellent moves as President of Baseball Operations for the Braves.  Now if he can only get this bullpen figured out…

Next: Ryan Lavarnway: Atlanta Braves' Latest Backstop

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