Giants sign LHP Affeldt

Nov 17, 2008 - 9:10 PM SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) - Jeremy Affeldt became the first player to switch teams during the free-agent signing period Monday as he inked a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, although ESPN.com reported it was worth $8 million.

Affeldt spent last season - his seventh in the majors - with the Cincinnati Reds. The lefthanded reliever posted a 1-1 record with a 3.33 ERA in 74 appearances, one shy of his career high established in 2007.

"Though just 29, Jeremy brings a solid veteran presence to our bullpen," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "There is not doubt he has been able to shoulder a heavy workload. ... We are excited to have Jeremy as a Giant."

Affeldt had 80 strikeouts and 25 walks in 78 1/3 innings and held opponents scoreless in 15 of his final 20 appearances with the Reds.

In 2007, Affeldt went 4-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 75 appearances for the Colorado Rockies. He allowed just one run in his last 14 appearances, including four scoreless outings in the World Series loss to the Boston Red Sox.

A third-round pick of the Kansas City Royals in 1997, Affeldt has a career mark of 26-28 with a 4.55 ERA.