By Matt Snyder Free agent infielder Ryan Theriot has signed a one-year contract with the Giants, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman has learned. The deal is worth $1.25 million and has $750,000 worth of incentives.
Though Theriot better fits defensively as a second baseman, he has a great shot at significant playing time at shortstop for the Giants. The only person standing in his way is Brandon Crawford, who hit just .204/.288/.296 last season, which is dreadful. Crawford could then fit well as a late-inning defensive replacement, as he's the superior defender. It's just that the Giants need the most offense they can get from any spot.
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Theriot, 32, hit .271/.321/.342 with 26 doubles for the World Series champion Cardinals last season. He has spent all but 54 games of his career in the NL Central, mostly with the Cubs, but those other 54 games were in the NL West with the Dodgers in 2010.
Also of note, Theriot rejoins former LSU and Cubs teammate Mike Fontenot. Those two just can't be kept apart, huh?
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