Ryan Vogelsong had a forgettable postseason in 2014 despite his San Francisco Giants' third World Series title in five years.
But that didn't mean the Giants wouldn't have him back. So Friday, Vogelsong ended his time on the free-agent market and agreed to a one-year deal. The San Francisco Chronicle pegged the salary at $4 million. Giants officials confirmed the accord.
Earlier this week, reports had the Astros close to signing the 37-year-old right-hander. No dice: Pending a physical, another year in the Bay Area awaits.
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It's a safe move for the Giants. Behind postseason hero Madison Bumgarner, manager Bruce Bochy has hopes and bandages in his starting staff. Matt Cain is coming off elbow and ankle surgeries. Tim Hudson also had work done on an ankle.
That leaves two other questions marks: Jake Peavy and Tim Lincicum. While Lincicum will get a look, it's likely Vogelsong will fill Cain's rotation slot to start the season.
Vogelsong likely fits as a fourth or fifth starter, depending on the health of Cain and Hudson. He was 8-13 with a lackluster 4.00 earned-run average, and he didn't fare well in his two postseason games.
Still, he wanted to remain with the Giants. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Vogelsong was so close to a deal with the Astros he had taken a team physical before saying no to their offer.
The Giants will hope to see more of Vogelsong's work from last August work, when he was 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA.