Sunday, December 17, 2006 Last modified Sunday, December 17, 2006 9:24 PM PST Giles brother act on tap for Padres By: BRIAN HIRO - North County Times Staff Writer SAN DIEGO ---- The Padres are expected to sign second baseman Marcus Giles early this week, a club source said Sunday. Giles, who played for the Atlanta Braves the past six seasons, will be reunited with his older brother, Padres right fielder Brian Giles. Both Giles brothers grew up in El Cajon and were on the baseball, football and wrestling teams at Granite Hills High. Marcus Giles, 28, likely will sign a one-year deal for significantly less than the $5.5 million he stood to make in salary arbitration. The Braves last week cut him loose rather than risk paying him that much. The Padres expect Giles to start at second base and become the favorite to fill the leadoff spot vacated by Dave Roberts, who signed with the San Francisco Giants. Giles' arrival will bump veteran Todd Walker into an infield reserve role. Giles accepted the Padres' offer after reportedly receiving interest from the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Giles' batting average and on-base percentage decreased each of the past four seasons, bottoming out at .262 and .341, respectively. He battled hand injuries in 2006. He was an All-Star in '03, when he hit .316 with 101 runs, 49 doubles, 21 homers and 69 RBIs. Can you say "San Diego and I get to play with my newly-married, totally-whacked out bro Discount?":yes:
He had an off year last season while battling injuries and being moved to the leadoff spot for the first time in in his career. This is a good signing for the Padres, expect Giles to rebound this season and more than replace Barfield both offensively and defensively.
