Padres re-sign valuable outfielder Giles
Closing fast just when it appeared as if they might lose Brian Giles, the San Diego Padres have re-signed the free agent outfielder to a three-year, $30 million deal.
The contract includes an option for a fourth year that could boost it to $36 million.
Among the issues that were worked out before an agreement was reached was the language for a limited no-trade clause. Giles is took a physical examination Thursday before the deal is finished.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams aggressively pursuing Giles, with the Blue Jays pushing particularly hard.
"They were pretty generous right out of the chute," Giles said.
The deal with the Padres began to gain momentum when San Diego general manager Kevin Towers phoned Bick on Wednesday.
"He called out of the blue this morning," Bick said. "He basically just said that we've talked about this and discussed it and we think there could be a way to get it done.
"We've said all along that he'd like to stay there."
Re-signing Giles goes a long way toward solidifying what should be an improved outfield for the defending NL West champions. They acquired center fielder Mike Cameron from the Mets earlier in November.
Giles was the Padres' biggest offensive threats last season, batting .301 with 15 home runs, 83 RBI and a .423 on-base percentage. He led the majors with 119 walks.
