The San Francisco Giants roster for the 2012 campaign is starting to take shape as the team announced on Monday the signing on infielder Mike Fontenot to a one-year deal, while non-tendering infielder Jeff Keppinger and backup catcher Eli Whiteside, per CSNbayarea.com.
Fontenot, 31, played in 85 games for the Black and Orange in 2011, hitting .227 with an OBP of .304, along with 21 RBI and 4 homers. He may not be as prolific with the bat as Keppinger (Kep hit .255 in 56 games with the Giants, a career .281 hitter) but his range with the glove is far superior, likely one of the main selling points on keeping Fontenot and dropping Keppinger. Keppinger likely won’t remain on the market long.
As for Eli Whiteside, he simply wasn’t cutting it. His sore elbow kept him from making strong throws for most of the season, and his .197 batting average was the worst of his career while seeing the most plate appearances in hi career. Hopefully he can find a suitor out there.
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