MLB whispers - Giants and Edgar Renteria

Saturday, November 22, 2008
MLB whispers
Tony Paul / The Detroit News

The first known suitor for shortstop Edgar Renteria has been revealed -- and it's the Giants, who, according to an MLB.com report, already have exchanged contract proposals with the agent for the soon-to-be ex-Tiger.

"We're actively negotiating, no doubt about it," agent Jeff Lane told the Web site.

Renteria, 33, who suffered through a subpar season offensively and defensively in Detroit, is a good bet to head back to the National League, where he's spent the majority of his career -- and thrived far more than during his two one-year stints in the American League. Renteria, however, isn't likely to sign anywhere until the top free-agent shortstop, Rafael Furcal, puts pen to paper somewhere, thus dictating the market for second-tier choices such as Orlando Cabrera and Renteria.

It's official, Giants sign Renteria.

Hurray

Renteria Sucks

I was wrong...

Report linking Giants, Renteria false
New York radio station had deal set at two years, $18 million

SAN FRANCISCO -- Contrary to a report issued Monday by New York radio station WFAN, the Giants have not signed free-agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a two-year contract.

"It's false," one of Renteria's agents, Barry Meister, flatly stated.

Said a Giants official, "If we have a deal with a player, we're going to announce it, I assure you."

The Giants have seriously pursued middle infielders in free agency. They've been among the most ardent suitors for shortstop Rafael Furcal, widely considered the top shortstop available in free agency. They've expressed interest in second baseman Orlando Hudson, another premier free agent, and utilityman Juan Uribe.

Another of Renteria's agents, Jeff Lane, said last Friday that his client and the Giants have exchanged contract proposals. But proposals aren't agreements. A source familiar with the talks between Renteria and the Giants said the parties are "nowhere near" finalizing a deal. Hence, WFAN's report that Renteria had signed a two-year, $18 million contract evaporated within hours.

Renteria, 33, hit .270 last season with Detroit, his lowest average since he posted a .260 figure with St. Louis in 2001. He also totaled 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 138 games for he Tigers. A career .290 hitter who's also a five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Renteria earned $10 million last season.

Though the Giants entered the offseason bent on finding a hitter to play one of the infield corners, they've apparently decided that free agency is fertile ground for offensively skilled middle infielders. The Giants' second basemen ranked last in the National League with five home runs, 14th with 78 runs and 12th with a .707 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 2008, while their shortstops ranked last in the NL in batting average (.228) and OPS (.576) and tied for last in home runs (one) and runs (51).

The Giants are also known to have expressed interest in left-hander CC Sabathia, though reports that they've made an offer are believed to be overblown.

Now it may be true, they are close to a deal. See Old Players, Edgar Renteria thread.