"Even if shortstop Brandon Crawford's bat proves as capable as his glove and second baseman Freddy Sanchez stays on the field for the whole season, the Giants lacked a right-handed hitter for the middle infield.

They added one Friday, agreeing to terms with veteran Ryan Theriot on a non-guaranteed major league contract that will pay him $1.25 million if he joins the club. Theriot's deal is expected to become official once he passes a physical, Giants officials said.

Although Crawford enters the spring still holding the title of everyday shortstop, the club wants to take as much lineup pressure as possible off the 25-year-old defensive whiz. Theriot gives manager Bruce Bochy another option against left-handed pitching; the 32-year-old former Cub, Dodger, Cardinal and LSU Tiger (more on that in a bit) hit .310 against lefties last season while helping St. Louis to the World Series championship.

Theriot, who became a free agent when the Cardinals did not tender him a contract, would be paid a fraction of his salary if he is released by a certain date this spring."