Marcus Giles

Marcus Giles
Giles with the San Diego Padres in 2007
Second baseman
Born:(1978-05-18)May 18, 1978 San Diego, California,U.S.
Batted:Right Threw:Right
MLB debut
April 17, 2001, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2007, for the San Diego Padres
MLB statistics
Batting average	.277
Home runs	76
Runs batted in	333
Teams
Atlanta Braves(2001–2006) San Diego Padres(2007)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star(2003)

Marcus William Giles(born May 18, 1978) is a formerMajor League Baseballplayer. He was asecond basemanand batted right-handed. His older brother,Brian Giles,was an outfielder who also played in the Major Leagues. Marcus and Brian played together on the2007 San Diego Padres.

Career

Giles was selected by theAtlanta Bravesin the 53rd round of the1996 Major League Baseball draftand made his major league debut in2001.He hit agrand slamfor his first career home run offMike Hamptonof theColorado Rockies.He became the first Braves player in 24 years to have his first MLB home run be a grand slam.Despite usually having success during his opportunities in majors, he spent the next two years shuttling between Atlanta and their Triple-A affiliate inRichmond.In2002,his year was marred by a severe ankle sprain in May, and the death of his premature daughter, Lundyn Mae. Giles lost his second base starting job to the injury and, shortly after returning, was demoted to Richmond. He did not play in Atlanta again until August.

In2003,Giles was given the starting job for good, and proceeded to put up such impressive numbers that he was selected to play in the 2003All-Star Game.Unfortunately, he suffered aconcussionthe week prior to the game whenChicago CubspitcherMark Priorcollided with him on the basepaths. After missing about a week with the injury, Giles returned to the lineup in top form. He finished the 2003 season with 49 doubles, breaking the Braves record for doubles in a season. Giles had the bestrange factoramong NL second baseman and was third among all NL position players inwins above replacement(as calculated byBaseball Reference).

In2004,Giles was poised to wage a campaign similar to 2003 but, on May 15, 2004, against the Milwaukee Brewers, while drifting way back into center field to catch a pop fly, he collided with center fielderAndruw Jones.Giles suffered a broken collarbone, a concussion, and a bruised right wrist and did not play again until July 15, 2004, missing 52 games.

Giles avoided fluke injuries in2005and was able to again be a consistent contributor for the Braves. He doubled 45 times (second most in theNational League), scored a career high 104 runs, and was 16 for 19 in stolen base attempts.

With the departure ofshortstopRafael Furcalin late 2005, the Braves moved Giles to the lead-off position in the lineup for the2006season. By the end of the season, Giles had become vocal in his objections over batting leadoff. His.262 average was his lowest since becoming a starter.

Giles was hospitalized in Philadelphia on September 2, 2006, after experiencing pain in his chest and abdomen.On September 3, he was sent back to Atlanta to undergo a cardiovascular test.Giles told theAtlanta Journal-Constitutionthat he may have a damaged heart valve. On September 4, however, it was determined that his heart was perfectly healthy, and he was instead diagnosed withacid reflux,which is not as serious.He rejoined the team in New York City that evening.

In a cost-cutting measure, and due to a decline of production, the Bravesnon-tenderedGiles on December 12, making him a free agent.

He signed a one-year deal with the Padres before the2007season, but did not live up to expectations and was waived on October 26, 2007.

Due to a poor performance in 2007, Giles could not get a major league contract and settled for a minor league deal with theColorado Rockies.However, the Rockies released him before the start of the season. Giles then agreed to terms with theLos Angeles Dodgerson a minor league contract, but had a change of heart on his way to report to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate inLas Vegasand turned down the deal.

On January 6,2009,he signed a minor league contract with thePhiladelphia Phillies.He did not make the team, and was released on March 30.

In 792 games over seven seasons, Giles compiled a.277batting average(813-for-2934) with 468runs,187doubles,16triples,76home runs,333RBI,70stolen bases,318bases on balls,.353on-base percentageand.429slugging percentage.He finished his career with a.981fielding percentage.In 25 postseason games, he hit.217 (20-for-92) with 15 runs, 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 6 RBI and 7 walks.

Personal life

Giles and his ex-wife, Tracy, have 3 daughters.

External links

• Career statistics and player information fromMLB,orESPN,orBaseball Reference,orFangraphs