9/7: Two-Ribe

Giants 9, Padres 4: Exhausted and working late tonight for an early workday tomorrow, but here's one question: Juan Uribe, starting third baseman next year? It's not optimal, of course, but if the Giants strike out on the trade front or free agent market, they could do worse than start the year with Sandoval at first and Uribe at third. According to UZR Uribe would give the Giants most value at second base, where no doubt Freddie Sanchez will no doubt malinger (kidding!) play next year. But Uribe's been slightly above average this year at third, and he was pretty good there in 2004. Overall he's contributed 1.6 wins above replacement -- about $7 million worth. Just for kicks, here's the dollar-worth of the NL starting third basemen this year. Uribe 3B penciled into the starting lineup next year is far from my first choice, but re-signing him this winter for another spin as super-utility guy is looking like a wiser and wiser move.  

I forgot last week's top players. Today's action doesn't count, but the pick still goes to Uribe for his two key home runs in Milwaukee. Actually, he has to share. Eugenio Velez had six hits, and five went for extra bases, plus he played sparkling defense with one potentially game-saving play. The entire pitching staff deserves an award after holding Milwaukee and Philly to nine runs in six games. But I'll single out Jonathan Sanchez, who threw two games on the road trip, each six innings and only one earned run, and Brad Penny, whose gem in Philly was as big a psychic lift the team has gotten all year.