Free-agent second baseman Marcus Giles is expected to sign with the Padres early this week, joining his older brother, right fielder Brian Giles. Marcus, 28, likely will agree to a one-year deal and possibly a club option. His salary will be significantly less than the $5.5 million that he might have earned in salary arbitration with the Braves, who declined to offer him a contract. The short-term deal will give Marcus a chance to re-establish his value as he tries to rebound from his worst offensive season as a regular. It also gives him the opportunity to return home to San Diego and become major-league teammates with Brian, 35, for the first time.
Marcus batted .262 last season with 11 homers and 60 RBIs, struggling after the Braves moved him to the leadoff spot in place of the departed Rafael Furcal. He is a career .285 hitter with an .809 lifetime on-base/slugging percentage, healthy numbers for a second baseman.
Tags: marcus giles