According to a press release from the team, the Cubs signed infielder Esteban German to a minor league deal. He was released by the Royals last week after clearing waivers.
German, 31, hit .245/.303/.338 in 242 plate appearances last year while playing in left field as well as all around the infield. Presumably the Cubs consider German a possible third base backup; he played 281 innings at the hot corner in ’07 and 43 in ’08. The Cubs will have the option of keeping German for 2010, as he’ll be arbitration-eligible after ’09.
