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SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- In re-acquiring one of the club's most important and popular players in recent history, the San Francisco Giants have signed versatile and productive free agent infielder Rich Aurilia to a two-year contract, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.
Per club policy, financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Aurilia, who made his Major League debut with the Giants in 1995 and was the club's starting shortstop from 1998-2003, returns to San Francisco following an outstanding 2006 campaign with Cincinnati. The 35-year-old was one of only 12 National Leaguers to hit at least .300 with 20 home runs, batting a Reds-high .300 with 23 clouts and 70 RBI. He hammered left-handed pitching to the tune of a .347 average, while his .332 overall mark after the All-Star Break was eighth-highest in the senior circuit.

Proving he can play all four infield positions, Aurilia made 39 starts for the Reds at third base in 2006, 37 at first base, 25 at shortstop and four at second base. With his versatility, he posted an overall .988 fielding percentage (seven errors in 570 total chances), including an impressive .994 mark at first base (two errors in 330 total chances).

"Bringing Richie back to San Francisco is a truly exciting day for the Giants," Sabean said. "He clearly is a highly productive player who can fill many infield needs, while his character and desire to win are unquestioned."

Entering his 13th Major League season, Aurilia owns a lifetime .278 average with 259 doubles, 169 home runs and 655 RBI in 1,353 games with San Francisco (1995-2003), Seattle (2004), San Diego (2004) and Cincinnati (2005-06).

The Brooklyn, NY native truly made his mark in a Giants uniform, emerging as a fan favorite and the heart of San Francisco clubs that posted a .591 winning percentage from 1997-2003. A 2001 National League All-Star, Aurilia batted .278 with 126 home runs and 473 RBI over 993 contests during his first stint with the club. In fact, he still ranks seventh in San Francisco annals for batting average, and tenth with 190 doubles.

A member of four San Francisco playoff teams, including three as the club's starting shortstop, Aurilia boasts 25 career post season games on his resume. He established a post season record for shortstops by collecting 17 RBI during the Giants' 2002 World Series run, batting .265 with six home runs in 17 games.