Marcus Giles
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| Image:M Giles.jpg |
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|---|---|
| San Diego Padres — No. 22 | |
| Second Baseman | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
| May 10, 2001 for the Atlanta Braves | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through 2006 season) |
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| Batting average | .285 |
| Home runs | 72 |
| Stolen bases | 60 |
| Former teams | |
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Marcus William Giles (born May 18, 1978 in San Diego, California) is a San Diego Padres Major League Baseball player who most recently played for the Atlanta Braves. He is a second baseman and bats right-handed. According to The San Diego Union Tribune, Marcus will be joining brother Brian in San Diego. The second baseman has agreed to a one-year contract with a club option for 2008. Marcus Giles will get a base salary around $3.25 million this season with incentives that could take his contract to $4.25 million. The club option for 2008 is at $4 million. The right-handed-hitting Giles figures to hit first or second in the Padres order and be the Padres' everyday second baseman. [1]
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[edit] Career
Giles was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 53rd round of the June 1996 draft and made his major league debut in 2001. Despite usually having success during his opportunities in majors, he spent the next two years shuttling between Atlanta and their AAA minor league franchise in Richmond. In 2002, his year was marred by a severe ankle sprain in May, and the death of his premature daughter, Lundyn Mae. Giles lost his second base starting job to the injury and, shortly after returning, was demoted to Richmond. He did not play in Atlanta again until August.
In 2003, Giles was given the starting job for good, and proceeded to put up such impressive numbers that he was selected to play in the 2003 All-Star Game. Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion the week prior to the game when Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior collided with him on the basepaths. After missing about a week with the injury, Giles returned to the lineup in top form. He finished the 2003 season with 49 doubles, breaking the Braves record for doubles in a season.
In 2004, Giles was poised to wage a campaign similar to 2003 but, on May 15, 2004, while drifting way back into center field to catch a pop fly, he collided with center fielder Andruw Jones. Giles suffered a broken collarbone, a concussion, and a bruised right wrist and did not play again until July 15, 2004, missing 52 games.
Giles avoided fluke injuries in 2005 and was able to again be a consistent contributor for the Braves. He doubled 45 times (second most in the National League), scored a career high 104 runs, and was 16 for 19 in the stolen base department.
With the departure of shortstop Rafael Furcal in late 2005, the Braves moved Giles to the lead-off position in the lineup for the 2006 season. By the end of the season, Giles had become vocal in his objections over batting leadoff. His .262 average was his lowest by far since becoming a starter.
Giles was hospitalized in Philadelphia on September 2, 2006, after experiencing pain in his chest and abdomen [2]. On September 3, he was sent back to Atlanta to undergo a cardiovascular test [3]. Giles told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he may have a damaged heart valve. On September 4, however, it was determined that his heart was perfectly healthy, and he was instead diagnosed with acid reflux, which is not as serious [4]. He rejoined the team in New York that evening.
In a cost-cutting measure, and due to a decline of production, the Braves non-tendered Giles on December 12, making him a free agent [5]. Giles is now playing with the San Diego Padres, along with his brother, Brian Giles.
[edit] Achievements
- NL All-Star (2003)
- Holds Braves record for most doubles in a season (2003, with 49)
[edit] Personal
Giles lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, Tracy, and their daughters, Arringtun Mae (2003) and Sawyur Rae (2006). Tracy gave birth to a third daughter named Tatum, however little Tatum was born 10 weeks premeture on the 29th November 2006, her due date wasnt untill January 2007. His older brother Brian is an outfielder with the San Diego Padres.
He went to Granite Hills High School with friend and NASCAR 2006 Champion Jimmie Johnson.
[edit] External Links
- Career Stats at Baseball Reference
