According to sources close to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Los Angeles Dodgers are close to a three-year deal with infielder Juan Uribe.

FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed the report and said that the deal will be worth $21 million. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman says that the deal it’s not quite finished, but word is, it’s worth about $22 million.

Uribe, a Type-B free agent was offered salary arbitration by the San Francisco Giants last week. Because of his Type-B status, hewill not cost the Dodgers any draft picks should he sign with them, but the Giants stand to benefit a free supplemental pick since they offered him arbitration.

Yesterday, FOXSports’ Ken Rosenthal outlined the reasons for the Dodgers to sign Uribe:

Rosenthal’s reasoning for the Dodgers to go after Uribe include:

– Uribe’s ability to play third base and give Casey Blake a chance to platoon in left field.

– Uribe can play shortstop when Rafael Furcal is unavailable.

– Uribe could play second base ahead of Ryan Theriot.

Rosenthal speculates that a multi year deal for Uribe could protect the Dodgers at multiple infield positions for years to come.