Page "San Francisco Giants" Paragraph 89

With eleven free agents excluding Jason Schmidt who signed with the Dodgers for roughly $ 15 million a year, a new manager on board with Bruce Bochy coming from division rival San Diego, and the loss of veteran catcher Mike Matheny due to complications resulting from concussions sustained during his career, the Giants ' prospects for the 2007 season were less than favorable going into the winter off-season.

The team then agreed to several deals — resigning Pedro Feliz, Ray Durham, and old time Giants fans favorite Rich Aurilia, and picking up catcher Bengie Molina, Ryan Klesko, and Dave Roberts.

They also signed free agent pitcher Barry Zito to a seven year contract worth $ 126 million.

The deal, which was the richest contract for a pitcher in baseball history, includes a $ 18 million team option for an eighth year.

On January 9, 2007, the Giants resigned pitcher Russ Ortiz to compete for the fifth starting position in spring training.

Ortiz was slotted for the position in late March due to his outstanding spring.