According to a report from the Sun-Times, the Cubs signed free-agent utility man Esteban German on Friday to a minor league contract. German was released by the Royals on March 9 after clearing waivers. German will compete for the back-up third baseman job.
Esteban German has played six different positions in the big leagues, including third base, but is primarily a second baseman. He hit .245 with a .303 OBP and a .338 SLG last season in 89 games with the Royals including 14 doubles and no home runs.
Esteban German was DFA'd by the Royals on February 28 to make room on their 40-man roster for Juan Cruz. German passed through waivers and was released by the Royals on March 9.
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Don't see him making the roster.
Ehhh....German's one of those guys who seems to perform just well enough to at least make the 40-man roster, if not the 25 man, and then just underperform. Not a risk cost-wise, but certainly a risk performance-wise.
This is a low risk signing that compares with Rey Ordonez, Jose macias and any other weak hitting average fielding utility type. He'll be gone in 2 weeks.
Why dont we sign Pudge?? He can back up at catcher, 1st, and 3rd base and is willing to do so. He has championship experience and could really help mentor soto so he doesnt slump...He is killing the ball during the WBC so far and getting more at bats then Soto.. He would be a really nice insurance piece. For all we know Soto could get hurt and were stuck with Bako or Hill which would suck...My only concern is how well he could play 3rd...But with the weight he's lost and having such good hands it just mite work...any thoughts??
I really like the idea. But don't see the Cubs brass shelling out that kind of dough for a backup catcher.
German had decent numbers in 06 and 07..If he returns to that, not bad at all.
Oh good! Hendry signs another 2nd baseman!