National Baseball Report

Giants sign Guillermo Mota

The San Francisco Giants signed pitcher Guillermo Mota to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training according to Yahoo! Sports.  Mota was 3-4 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009.

Jon Miller named Ford Frick award winner for 2010

San Francisco Giants and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball announcer Jon Miller was named the 2010 Ford Frick award winner according to the Associated Press.  Miller has broadcast games for the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants.  He has also worked with Joe Morgan on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball for 20 years.

"I told my wife I'll never forget Cartagena, Colombia," said Miller, who joins former Giants broadcasters Lon Simmons and Russ Hodges as winners of the award. "The first thing I thought of was Lon Simmons and Russ Hodges, who taught me the game as a kid growing up. It really is kind of astounding to me because Russ and Lon were larger-than-life people to me. My idols."

Giants sign Byung-Hyun Kim to a minor league contract

The San Francisco Giants signed relief pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.  Kim is coming out of retirement to try to win a spot in the Giants' bullpen.  Kim last pitched in the makor leagues in 2007 and he was 10-8 with a 6.08 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP.

"He's evaluated coming out of retirement for a while, but now he feels like he's in a position physically to be successful,'' [Kim's agent Paul] Cobbe said.

Giants agree to terms Brian Wilson

The San Francisco Giants agreed to terms with closer Brian Wilson on a one-year, $4,437,500 contract according to ESPN.com.  Wilson was 5-6 with a 2.74 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP for the Giants in 2009.

"We're very proud of Brian, from the beginning when he was drafted to developing in our system," Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said in a phone interview. "He's done a great job and become such a meaningful part of our organization. He's been an important part of this ballclub."

Giants' Freddy Sanchez has shoulder surgery

San Francisco Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez had surgery on his left shoulder according to the Associated Press.  Sanchez might not be ready for opening day.  Sanchez hit .293 with seven home runs and 41 RBI and a .742 OPS between Pittsburgh and San Francisco in 2009.

"He's going to be a little delayed," Bochy said in a phone interview. "It'll be close if he can go opening day or not."

Blue Jays get Valdez from Giants for cash

The Toronto Bluw Jays acquired relief pitcher Merkin Valdez from the San Francisco Giants for cash according to The Toronto Star.  Valdez was 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP in 49.1 innings for the Giants in 2009.  He will compete in spring training for a spot in the bullpen.  Valdez is out of options, so he must make the club out of spring training or clear waivers before the Blue Jays can assign him to the minor leagues.

Giants sign Benjie Molina to a one-year, $4.5 million contract

The San Francisco Giants signed catcher Benjie Molina to a one-year, $4.5 million contract according to ESPN.com.  Giants' General Manager Brian Sabean said earlier in the offseason that Molina would not return to the club.  Molina was looking for a three-year contract.  The New York Mets offered one year with a vesting option but Molina was looking for two years from them.  Molina hit .265 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI for the Giants in 2009.

Giants sign Brandon Medders

The San Francisco Giants signed relief pitcher Brandon Medders to a one-year, $820,000 contract according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.  Medders was available for arbitration.  Medders was 5-1 with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP for the Giants in 2009.

Giants sign Aubrey Huff

The San Francisco Giants signed first baseman Aubrey Huff to a one-year cotnract according to the Associated Press.  Huff hit .241 with 15 home runs, 85 RBI and a .694 OPS between Baltimore and Detroit in 2009.

One of San Francisco's top priorities entering the offseason was acquiring a left-handed bat with power.  There has been some talk of the team moving Pablo Sandoval to first base.  Although Huff is expected to play first base, his is able to play third base as well.

Blue Jays claim Brian Bocock

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed shortstop Brian Bocock off waivers from the San Francisco Giants according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.  Bocock was designated for assignment by the Giants to make room for Juan Uribe on their 40-man roster.  Bocock hit .230 with three home runs and 51 RBI between Single-A and Double-A in 2009.