The San Francisco Giants have reportedly reached a one-year agreement with free agent infielder Ryan Theriot. The new deal, which is pending physical, would pay Theriot a base salary of $1.25 million in 2012 if he makes the team and includes $750,000 in incentives.
Winning a World Series title with the Cardinals in 2011, Theriot spent the year manning shortstop and second base for the club. Over his 442 plate appearances with St. Louis, Theriot hit at a clip of .271/.321/.342 with 28 extra base hits, 46 runs scored and 47 RBI’s.
Theriot sports a career line of .282/.344/.353 over his seven seasons in the majors. During that time, the 32-year-old has made a majority of his starts at short, though he has also received extensive playing time at second base in recent years.
Theriot will provide the Giants will depth at each middle infield position. His career line of .301/.373/.401 against left-handed pitching could allow Theriot to slide into a platoon role at shortstop with youngster Brandon Crawford, who is a left-handed batter. The Giants also view Theriot as insurance in case the currently rehabbing Freddy Sanchez is unable to start the season at second.
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