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 21 years ago 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.''
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)