Marcus Giles signs, avoids arbitration

The Atlanta Braves have avoided arbitration with second baseman Marcus Giles. Bill Shanks has the story.

Marcus Giles has agreed to a one-year, $3.85 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves, avoiding arbitration.

Giles, who made $2.35 million last season, hit .291 with 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 168 hits in 577 at bats, 16 stolen bases, a .365 OBP, and 45 doubles in 2005.

With Rafael Furcal leaving for the Dodgers, Giles becomes a candidate to take over as Atlanta's leadoff hitter. His high OBP and decent speed make him a good option. The Braves feel he could possibly steal between 20-30 bases as a leadoff man.

Atlanta still must come to a contract agreement with pitchers Horacio Ramirez, Jorge Sosa, and Oscar Villarreal to avoid any arbitration hearings this winter.


Bill Shanks is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team, a look inside the Braves‘ traditional scouting and player development philosophies. You can email Bill at .