Giants sign Renteria as Vizquel's replacement at shortstop

The Giants haven't reached the playoffs since 2003 and were in a rebuilding phase last season, going 72-90 while using many young players in key roles. Having a veteran shortstop will be a big help considering Vizquel provided that kind of stability during his four years with the club.

"To get somebody with his resume is huge for our ballclub. He's a winner," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's versatile as far as hitting in the batting order. He helps solidify our defense up the middle. This is a very great sign for us and I couldn't be more excited to have a player of his caliber."

Sabean said after the 2008 season there was "zero" chance the Giants would bring back the 41-year-old Vizquel despite his popularity and still-reliable defense in the middle of the infield.

"Everybody knows Omar is one of the best shortstops in the game," said the Colombian-born Renteria. "Two Latin guys, All-Stars. To replace Omar, for me that's an honor."

San Francisco also had been interested in Rafael Furcal, but the 33-year-old Renteria certainly became less of a medical risk considering Furcal -- also being courted by the Oakland Athletics -- was sidelined for all but 36 games last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers because of back problems that required surgery.

With the acquisition of Renteria, Sabean now might look to trade talented prospect Emmanuel Burriss -- or give Burriss more time to develop and perhaps even use him at second base. The 23-year-old Burriss, selected by San Francisco in the first round of the 2006 draft, played 95 games last season as a rookie.

Sabean said he and his staff would discuss not only Burriss but also infielders Kevin Frandsen and Eugenio Velez during next week's winter meetings in Las Vegas.