Strong spring earns Aurilia spot with Giants

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) " For the second time in his 15-year major league career, Rich Aurilia entered spring training without a major league contract. For the second time, he earned one.

Aurilia hit .396 this spring to claim a reserve job with the San Francisco Giants as a backup corner infielder and right-handed pinch-hitter.

He hit two home runs, drove in eight runs and drew 10 walks this spring.

"I've been through one of these years before, the non-roster thing," said Aurilia, who made Cincinnati's opening day roster in 2005 after going to camp on a minor league deal.

"Back then, I don't want to say I tried harder, but I pressed a little bit harder because I was coming off a bad year. In a sense, these guys know me. I don't have to go out and meet new people, stuff like that. At the same time, it wasn't a foregone conclusion that I was going to be back here.

"This year I just came in I know what I'm capable of doing. I showed my value last year in a half-time role. You just learn from experience as you get older."

Aurilia, 37, had a pinch-hit single Wednesday in a 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Giants final spring training game in Arizona, again demonstrating the contributions that made him such a valuable commodity in 2008.

Aurilia had 21 doubles, 10 homers and 51 RBIs while playing 140 games in a variety of roles for the Giants last season. He made 50 starts at first base, 49 at third base and two as a designated hitter. He also hit .316 with two homers in 19 at-bats as a pinch-hitter, and he hit .321 against left-handed pitchers.

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy is comforted by the presence of the multi-tasking Aurilia.

"He gives you a good at-bat and can do a lot of things," Bochy said.

"Last year I felt I went out and played the way I was capable of playing. I just went out and had fun," Aurilia said.

First baseman Travis Ishikawa and third baseman Pablo Sandoval had strong springs while claiming starting positions and figure to get the large majority of starts at first and third base.

Aurilia can provide an alternative to the left-handed hitting Ishikawa if Bochy wants to match up against certain left-handers. Ishikawa and Aurilia are the only Giants on the 25-man roster who have played first this spring.

Sandoval, in his first season at third base, also will open as the backup catcher. On days that starting catcher Bengie Molina gets a rest, Aurilia could be a candidate to play third base, along with Juan Uribe.

"I think no matter who you are, if you accept the role you are in and you know what the role is, you perform much better in that role," Aurilia said.

"It's a lot easier to throw that on a veteran than a younger player. In my mind, can I go out and play every day, sure. But I know that probably won't be my role. But if it's thrust upon me, I know I can do it. That's just the way I have to approach it."

Aurilia had 48 doubles and 37 homers while playing all four infield positions in Cincinnati in 2005-06, his first two seasons as a role player. He has 40 doubles and 15 homers in his last two seasons with the Giants.

"I know I'm not going to play forever, believe me. I don't know how much longer that I'm going to play or that somebody will want me to play. The goal is to have fun and enjoy it," Aurilia said.