DALLAS, TX -- The San Francisco Giants have signed free agent infielder/outfielder Mark Sweeney to a two-year contract, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.

The 12-year big league veteran, who hits left-handed, is a versatile player who can play first base and both corner outfield positions while also being one of the game's most prolific pinch hitters. The 36-year-old Framingham, MA, native is coming off the most productive season of his career, establishing career standards in avg. (.294), games (135), at-bats (221), hits (65), doubles (12) and RBI (40) for the San Diego Padres in 2005.

"Mark is a professional left-handed hitter, who gives Felipe (Alou) some flexibility with his versatility at first base and the outfield," said Sabean. "Mark will definitely augment our offense when he is in the lineup and prove to be a threat off the bench with the game on the line."

The 6-1, 215-pound University of Maine product hit .303 (61-for-201) against right-handed pitching last season. He also hit all eight of his home runs against righties.

Sweeney has produced in clutch situations during his career, batting .281 (103-for-367) with runners in scoring position. In fact, he hit at a .290 clip (18-for-62) in those situations last year.

An accomplished pinch hitter, he ranks among the all-time leaders in career pinch hits (fourth, 131), home runs (tied for fourth, 13) and RBI (tied for fifth, 81). Among active players, Sweeney is third in pinch hits, second in home runs and tied for second in RBI.

He brings an impressive post-season resume to the Giants, owning a .357 lifetime mark (5-for-14) with a double and RBI in 17 career contests. Sweeney has made three trips to the October stage, including a World Series berth with the Padres in 1998. He has also made post-season appearances for St. Louis in 1996 and with San Diego last season.

Originally the ninth round pick of the California Angels in the 1991 draft, he has seen big league action with St. Louis (1995-97), San Diego (1997-98, 2002 and 2005), Cincinnati (1999), Milwaukee (2000-01) and Colorado (2003-04). Sweeney owns a .262 lifetime average with a 74 doubles, 35 home runs and 195 RBI in 900 Major League contests.
He will most likely share time with Neikro and Feliz. I like this deal.