Versatile Sweeney takes pinch-hitting skills to Giants

Former University of Maine All-American Mark Sweeney, one of major league baseball’s most prolific pinch hitters, is looking forward to being a San Francisco Giant after turning in an impressive year for San Diego this past season.

The 36-year-old Sweeney recently signed a two-year deal with the Giants that will pay him $850,000 next year and $900,000 in 2006. San Diego had offered him a two-year deal for $575,000 per year, which is what he made last season.

“I feel very, very fortunate,” said Sweeney, who hit .294 for the Padres last season with eight homers and 40 RBIs.

His 135 games played, 221 at-bats, 65 hits, five sacrifice flies and 103 total bases were single-season highs and his on-base percentage of .395 was his best in a season in which he had more than 31 at-bats. His 12 doubles and 40 RBIs tied his single-season highs. He also had a .466 slugging percentage.

He is fourth all-time in major league baseball history with 131 pinch hits and 13 pinch-hit homers. He is fifth with 81 pinch-hit RBIs.

Sweeney said there was a “lot of interest” from teams looking to acquire him.

“That was great. A couple of years ago, I was asking for favors to get on a spring training roster,” said Sweeney.

The lefthanded-hitting Sweeney will back up youngster Lance Niekro at first base. The righthanded-hitting Niekro hit .252 with 12 homers and 46 RBIs a year ago but he hit just .206 against righthanders.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean told MLB.com that Niekro will be given a chance to establish himself at first but he could still wind up platooning with Sweeney at first.

Sweeney can also play in the outfield.

“The Giants organization has [a great] tradition. They go to every length to win. Not to mention I’ll be playing with the best player in baseball: Barry Bonds. It’s exciting,” said Sweeney.

He expects to appear in a lot of games because manager Felipe Alou uses a lot of players.

He said he “loves and respects the game” more than ever and has reduced the experimentation he does with his stance and swing.

“I’ve really simplified things as I’ve gotten older,” said Sweeney.

He would love to be an everyday player but he accepts his status as a role player.

“Sometimes I look at myself as more than a bench player but that’s what it is and I’m fine with that. I know coming off the bench and getting a big hit can be just as important [to a win],” said Sweeney.

He will be the featured speaker Sunday, Jan. 15, at Husson College’s Hot Stove Banquet. He said he was thrilled to receive the invitation from Husson coach John Winkin, his former coach at Maine.