| In the interest of speed and timeliness, this story is fed directly from the Associated Press newswire and may contain spelling or grammatical errors. |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A week ago, Andres Galarraga considered retirement now he's having second thoughts.
The 42-year-old backup first baseman for San Francisco is hitting .300 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in his 19th season in the major leagues. The Big Cat homered for the Giants on Wednesday night against San Diego and is three shy of 400, a figure he's determined to reach.
``Three more home runs,'' Galarraga said Thursday, smiling as he stood by his locker a day after his shot helped the Giants clinch the NL West. ``My plan is to try a little harder now. I don't want to change my swing, but put a little more power in it. I don't want to say I want to retire yet.''
Last Saturday, Galarraga was so frustrated when Giants manager Felipe Alou lifted him for a pinch hitter with the bases loaded in the ninth that he said he might make this his final season. Alou wanted J.T. Snow, a left-handed hitter, to face Milwaukee right-hander Dan Kolb.
Still, Galarraga took it as if the Giants had lost confidence in him.
``In that situation, with the bases loaded, it's my job,'' Galarraga said, noting that he wasn't questioning Alou's authority. ``I take it a little personal and was thinking, `It's time to go home.' Now, it's over and I'm going to stay here. I was a little frustrated, but now I'm back to normal.''
Alou is convinced Galarraga could contribute next year.
``Playing the night game and hitting a home run and today he swung better than anyone,'' Alou said after the Giants' 7-3 loss to the Padres. ``He could hit about the same number of homers again next year. He's a good ballplayer, and that's why he's here. And he's a good man.''
San Francisco is an organization that likes experienced players, and Galarraga has provided a powerful right-handed bat off the bench. He spent last season in Montreal, but signed a minor league contract in January to return to the Giants. He then won a spot on the team in spring training and has been a positive influence in a clubhouse that has seen many minor leaguers come up because of injuries.
Galarraga played with San Francisco at the end of the 2001 season. Alou has always liked him, too.
The Expos almost released Galarraga a struggling third-base prospect when Alou fought for him. Galarraga is appreciative of that.
``I'll think about coming back next year, even if I do reach 400,'' Galarraga said. ``I want to keep the door open.''