SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Big-hitting infielder Juan Uribe turned his back on the World Series champion San Francisco Giants on Tuesday and joined the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with a three-year deal.
The 31-year-old, a pivotal figure for the Giants during the postseason, was offered salary arbitration by San Francisco last week.
"Juan provides us with a big bat in the middle of the infield and can change a game with one swing," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement.
"His versatility is a huge asset, as he can play second base, third base and shortstop and he's a two-time world champion, so he knows what it takes to win."
Uribe recorded career-highs last season with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and 45 walks. He drove in nine runs during the postseason to help lift the Giants to their first World Series triumph in 56 years.
Originally signed by the Colorado Rockies as a free agent in 1997, the Dominican Republic native owns a career fielding percentage of .975 at shortstop and a batting average of .256 with 151 homers and 599 RBIs.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Thousand Oaks, California; Editing by Frank Pingue; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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