San Francisco Giants update: Looking to block Padres, Giants end up with outfielder Cody Ross in

Looking to block Padres, Giants end up with Ross
ST. LOUIS -- Ah, the vagaries of the waiver process.
The Giants put in a claim last week on Cody Ross, essentially to block him from the San Diego Padres. But now the Giants must scramble to find roster space for the right-handed outfielder, after the Florida Marlins foisted him upon the club Sunday.
Already stuffed with outfielders, the Giants must add Ross football jerseys
today; they're responsible for the remaining $1.1 million on his contract, too.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy declined comment, saying the transaction was still being completed. Club officials were unprepared with a subsequent move; with rosters expanding Sept. 1, they might make creative use of the disabled list with a player such as Nate Schierholtz rather than designate him for assignment.
The Giants' 40-man roster also is full, but they have a few candidates to designate.
Ross brings something to the table, though. The 29-year-old is a solid defender at all three outfield positions and has a robust .864 OPS against left-handers, suggesting a possible platoon in center field with Andres Torres (who is hitting .226 from the right side).
Ross hit 24 home runs and drove in 90 last year, earning him a $4.45 San Francisco 49ers jersey
million salary through arbitration. He is eligible for arbitration one more time this winter, but the small-market Marlins hadn't planned to tender him a contract. It's unlikely the Giants see him as a long-term piece at the salary he'll command, either.
Ross is batting .265 with 11 home runs and 58 RBIs in 452 at-bats but has been slumping in recent weeks.
The New Mexico native is a bit hyperactive on the field, and his hot-doggish body language has annoyed some Giants pitchers over the years. But those who knew him in Florida described a team player and good clubhouse presence.
Ross told reporters in Miami that he had mixed emotions on the move.
"You play your heart out for this organization, and the next thing you know, you're gone," he said. "But there's a bigger plan for me, and I'm excited to get on that team. It is going to be a fun rest of the year for me."
The Giants claimed Ross to keep him away from the NL West-leading Padres, Buffalo Bills jersey
who are in need of a center fielder after Tony Gwynn Jr. broke a bone in his right hand.
One-time setup man Guillermo Mota has plummeted in the bullpen pecking order. After another rough outing Sunday, he has allowed runs in six consecutive appearances.