San Francisco Giants Sign Former Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder Cole Gillespie

Sep. 28, 2011; Phoenix AZ, USA; Arizona DIamondbacks left fielder Cole Gillespie (5) hits a grand slam in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

Good news, Giant fans – no longer will you have to cringe every time you hear a name like Justin Christian‘s (although, he’s with the St. Louis Cardinals now) announced as a call-up. That’s because the Giants have added some solid outfield reinforcements to their reserves, namely Cole Gillespie, a name that might sound familiar to you.

Gillespie, not to be confused with former Giant farmhand Conor Gillaspie, was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 and ended up spending parts of two Major League seasons in Arizona, splitting time at their AAA affiliate in Reno where he holds a career .390 OBP.

Cole, 28, is expected to fight for a roster spot on the Giants as the fifth outfielder, though, he’s more likely to start the season in Fresno and come up at a later date. Still, it’s a solid under the radar move that, while not very flashy, could pay off  for the Giants down the road.