"The free-agency period had been open for a few days in early August, and Trent Baalke, the 49ers' first-year general manager, was being hammered on all fronts.

The 49ers had signed only two players of note, kicker David Akers and their own free agent, defensive end Ray McDonald. While other teams like the Eagles bellied up to the free-agent trough, Baalke proved to be a picky eater, which angered a fan base starved for victories.

Early one morning, Baalke arrived at his office and listened to his voice mail.

"I'd just like to thank you …," one of the messages began, and Baalke thought he finally had found someone who appreciated his restrained approach.

"… For being the worst general manager in the NFL," the voice continued.

Six months later, no one shares that opinion, including CEO Jed York, who announced Friday that the team had signed Baalke to a three-year extension that makes him the general manager through the 2016 season.

"Without question, Trent has distinguished himself as the man to direct our football operations for years to come," York said in a statement. "… It gives me great pleasure to watch Trent and Jim (Harbaugh) work arm-in-arm with the common goal of leading the 49ers to championships.""