Dodgers Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays Express Interest In 3B Juan Uribe

It seems as if there is another team interested in the services of Los Angeles Dodgers free agent third baseman Juan Uribe. The 34-year-old infielder has been reviewing his options this off-season and reportedly has a new suitor from the American League.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, a new team has emerged as a landing spot for the veteran third baseman:

Sources: #Rays interested in free agent Juan Uribe. Would play mostly at first, some at second and also back up Longoria at third.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2013

Uribe has had interest from the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and the Dodgers but has yet to make a decision. It was reported early in the off-season that he was seeking a three-year deal, but later backed off from those demands. The Dodgers have been reluctant to hand out multi-year deals this winter and have reportedly offered Uribe a one-year deal with an option for a second year.

The NLDS Game 4 hero has been tabbed as the best third base option and is using the thin market in his favor. This is the first team with interest in Uribe playing a different position. Uribe has played shortstop and second base extensively in his career and has dabbled at first base.

Uribe was signed to a three-year deal in 2010 and the Dodgers were on the verge of releasing him after two horrific seasons. He was kept around and became the starting third baseman last season after the failure of Luis Cruz. Uribe hit .278 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI in 132 games for the club in 2013. He cemented a spot in Dodger history in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves when he hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to help the Dodgers clinch the series.

The longer Uribe waits, the less patience the Dodgers may have with him and could decide to go in a different direction.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Brian Wilson agreed to a one-year deal last week