Giants offered to match Dodgers’ offer to Juan Uribe

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The San Francisco Giants wanted to hold on to Juan Uribe –- enough to where they made the infielder a last-minute offer to match the three-year, $21-million contract he ended up signing with the Dodgers, according to a baseball source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

Uribe, who passed his physical on Tuesday to finalize his contract, will be paid $5 million next year, $8 million in 2012 and $7 million in 2013. He will receive his final $1 million in 2014.

Uribe’s agent was contacted by the Dodgers shortly after Uribe and the Giants won the World Series. Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said he had coach Manny Mota call Uribe several times to talk to him about the club. Uribe and Mota are both from the Dominican Republic.

Uribe said he signed with the Dodgers because of the level of interest they showed in him.

“I was very proud,” he said. “It made me very emotional.”

Uribe and his agent, Barry Praver, were vague when asked about offers they received from other clubs, including the Giants.

Asked if he understood that Giants fans might be upset that he signed with the rival Dodgers, Uribe said, “I can’t control that. I’m not the owner of a team. Things happen.”

Uribe was respectful of the Giants and their fans, saying, “I have nothing bad to say about the team in San Francisco. I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me. The fans treated me very well. That’s something I will never forget. I was able to play with a lot of emotion every day because of the support they gave me.”

-- Dylan Hernandez