DeRosa, Giants agree to two-year contract!

San Francisco to formally announce deal on Tuesday.


SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants are poised to complete their first free-agent signing of the offseason on Tuesday, when they're expected to announce a two-year agreement with Mark DeRosa.


Giants spokesman Jim Moorehead said DeRosa flew to San Francisco on Monday and passed a physical examination, a prerequisite for finalizing the contract. A conference call to introduce DeRosa as the newest member of the Giants will be conducted at some point Tuesday.

DeRosa, whose contract is believed to be worth $12 million, has been one of this offseason's most coveted free agents. Early last month, as many as 12 teams reportedly had expressed interest in him.

DeRosa turns 35 on Feb. 26 and is coming off left wrist surgery. But he'd conceivably bolster the Giants' offense if he were to approach his output in 2009, when he hit .250 with 23 home runs and 78 RBIs for Cleveland and St. Louis. Lifetime, DeRosa owns a .275 average in 1,032 games with Atlanta, Texas and the Chicago Cubs, as well as the Indians and Cardinals.

The Giants have been seeking a hitter to bat fifth, and DeRosa just might fill that need. He started 23 games or more in four batting-order positions last season -- second, fifth, sixth and seventh -- and was most productive on a pro-rated basis from the No. 5 spot. In 99 plate appearances there, he hit .274 with five homers and 17 RBIs. By comparison, he hit .206 with nine homers and 33 RBIs in 189 plate appearances hitting second, .287 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 159 plate appearances from the sixth spot and .261 with three homers and six RBIs in 96 plate appearances as a No. 7 hitter.

DeRosa also recorded a .357 on-base percentage and a .536 slugging percentage while batting fifth last season, his best from any spot in the order. Overall, he compiled a .319 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging percentage.

San Francisco finished 88-74 last season despite ranking 13th in runs, 15th in homers, 14th in slugging percentage and 16th in on-base percentage among National League clubs.

DeRosa likely will start at third base for the Giants, with Pablo Sandoval moving to first. However, DeRosa's versatility will allow manager Bruce Bochy to use him virtually anywhere. DeRosa, who started 99 games at third last season, also has considerable experience at the other three infield spots and in the outfield.

DeRosa's arrival almost certainly ends the Giants' search for a first baseman, because he and Sandoval can combine to handle the infield corners. San Francisco still might consider adding an offensively proven outfielder and is seeking a catcher to serve as a caretaker at the position while Buster Posey develops further. Obtaining a No. 5 starter and a setup reliever are other priorities for the Giants.