Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Veteran second baseman Marcus Giles signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Giles, one of 19 non-roster players invited to spring training by the Phillies, did not play last season after being released by Colorado in spring training. He last played for San Diego in 2007 and hit .229 with four homers and 39 RBI in 116 games. The 30-year-old Giles spent his first six seasons in Atlanta and was an All- Star in 2003, the year he established career-bests with a .316 average, 21 homers and 69 RBI. The Phillies could actually start the season with Giles as a plug-in infielder. Second baseman Chase Utley underwent offseason hip surgery and will likely miss the start of the 2009 campaign. Third baseman Pedro Feliz also had low back surgery in November. Right-handed pitcher Gary Majewski, who pitched part of last season for Cincinnati, was also invited to spring training on Wednesday. He went 1-0 with a 6.53 ERA in 37 relief appearances for the Reds in 2008. |
