All offseason, the Giants were standing by claiming to be a big player in the free agent market. And then they did nothing – for nearly two months. Finally, on Monday, the team agreed to terms with free agent Mark DeRosa to a reported 2 year/$12 million deal.

While with the Indians and Cardinals in 2009, DeRosa hit .250 with a career-high 23 homeruns with 78 RBI. The low average can be attributed to an injured wrist in St. Louis which never really healed despite resting it for a few weeks during the season. Therefore, the physical is a big part of this deal going through, but it is reported that he has already passed.

DeRosa is being brought into San Francisco to try and improve an offense that could not keep up with the pitching down the stretch. The Giants had an opportunity to make the playoffs in 2009 behind a staff that included the eventual Cy Young (Tim Lincecum), but they could not hit to save their season. In addition, he is expected to play third base for the Giants, which allows them to move slugger Pablo Sandoval over to first base – a position that provided no power in recent seasons.

Grade for Giants: B; A lot of teams were after DeRosa this offseason because of his ability to play multiple positions and still provide offensive prowess. As long as he is healthy, he will give the Giants a solid third baseman as well as a good run producer. However, this grade was not higher because I am afraid this could be the biggest splash San Fran makes this offseason. Their offense was so bad last season that I feel they need to make another move to improve that lineup. The Giants still have a chance to prove me wrong, but I just don’t see that happening at this point.