The Phillies have signed free agent Marcus Giles to a minor league contract.  The deal is said to be worth $600,000.  Giles last played for the Padres in 2007 where he struggled batting a meager .229 with 4 home runs and 39 RBI’s.  In 2008 he signed a minor league deal with the Rockies before being released prior to the start of the season.  The Dodgers signed him to a deal thereafter, but after being sent to Las Vegas, Giles decided to hold out in hopes a major league team would come calling.  Giles ended up sitting out the entire 2008 season.

This is another no-impact signing.  Although he’s only 30, expections should be real low.  Giles has a good glove, but offensively he hasn’t produced since 2005.  That’s three seasons ago counting his year vacation.  At best he’s insurance should Chase Utley not be fully recovered from hip surgery.  Unless his bat is hot, once Utley returns, expect Giles to be optioned to Lehigh Valley.