Cubs Add Versatility With Smart Signing

Today's Chicago Cubs signing didn't make the headlines, but it may turn out to be an important signing for Cubs General Manager, Jim Hendry.

The Cubs have signed utility man, Esteban German, to a minor league contract.

I know, The name doesn't make you jump out of your seat. The 31-year old German will likely fill out the Cubs roster as their 25th man. 

Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry love versatility and that's exactly what they're getting from German. 

A career .277 hitter, German played four different positions in 2008: short, third, second and left field.  

The Royals released German last week.  In 2008, he batted .245 with no home runs and 22 RBI in 89 games. German's best year was 2006, when he batted .326 in 106 games. 

Similar to a long relief pitcher eating up innings, German will be asked to fill many holes especially in those lopsided games or those long marathon extra inning ball games.

It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's very important to have a player like German in a 162 game season.

Don't expect power from the former Royal.  He has just seven career home runs in six seasons.

That said, he's the type of player who will slap a base hit through a drawn in infield in the 15th inning. He will play four or five different positions in a four-hour ball game.

With Aaron Miles and Esteban German, the Cubs have two guys who can play at least four different positions. 

The Cubs recently signed Corey Koskie to battle for the team’s last infield spot.  If healthy, Koskie who hasn’t played since 2006 will provide more offense than German.

What he won't provide is versatility.  

I believe German wins the 25th man spot on this years Cubs team.  It's all about filling holes and the Cubs filled a hole with German.