San Francisco Giants Sign Hunter Pence, Avoid Arbitration

October 31, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) acknowledges to the crowd while riding in a car during the World Series victory parade at Market Street. The Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers in a four-game sweep to win the 2012 World Series. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

And the biggest arbitrational domino of the San Francisco Giants’ offseason has fallen. Due for a raise on the already heavy $10+ million he made last season, the San Francisco Giants and Hunter Pence avoided a trip to the arbitrator, agreeing on a one year, $13.8 million dollar deal.

This was Pence’s final year of arbitrational eligibility and he certainly cashed in, despite having one the worst statistical season of his career.

Still – in arbitrational cases, you’re paying for more of what the player did in the recent past – not so much in the present – and Pence’s recent past is worth about the amount he recieved, so despite the high price tag the Giants weren’t going to do any better if they let the case go to arbitration.

Given Pence’s fantastic history at AT&T Park prior to his acquisition last season and given his career history, it’s hard not to expect a turn around from Pence – though – pretty much anything will be better than what he did for the Giants this past season.