Giants sign Kinney to minor league deal

SAN FRANCISCO – Bangor native Matt Kinney was among 12 players who agreed Tuesday to minor league contracts with the San Francisco Giants and were invited to spring training as non-roster players.

Signing a minor league deal means Kinney is under contract with the Giants as long as he remains in training camp. If the righthander makes the 40-man roster, he will be paid at least the league minimum salary.

Kinney, who turns 28 Thursday, has compiled a 17-27 record with a 5.27 ERA in four seasons with three different teams (Minnesota, Milwaukee and Kansas City).

Other invitees are Jeff Fassero, 41 (3-8 with a 5.51 ERA in 111 innings last season); pitchers Armando Almanza, Brian Cooper, Jeremy Fikac, Brandon Puffer and Brandon Villafuerte; catcher Yamid Haad; infielders Julio Cordido and Donaldo Mendez; and outfielders Doug Clark and Julio Ramirez.