The San Francisco Giants secured one of their key pieces to the 2010 world championship by re-signing first baseman Aubrey Huff to a two-year, $22 million contract. Did the Giants spend their money wisely? Details of the Contract Huff will be paid $10 million per season in 2011 and 2012 with a team option of $10 million for 2013. There is a $2 million buyout if the team option isn?t picked up by the Giants. The Good Huff was roughly around his career averages in all major categories in 2010 with a .290 batting average, 26 home runs and 86 RBI and surpassing his averages with 100 runs scored and an .891 OPS. He also led the Giants in all of the above categories and was their best hitter until catcher Buster Posey took that mantle during the season. Huff is the best power hitter from the left side of the plate for the Giants, which adds nice balance with Posey in the middle of the order. Comparatively, he rates in the top 10 of first basemen last year in batting average, home runs, RBI and OPS. However, the one characteristic that can?t be overlooked with Huff is leadership. As the Giants have ushered in a host of young talent, it is still necessary to have productive veteran pieces and Huff was the most important one last year early in the season and down the stretch. The Bad While he shows no signs of steep decline at the plate, Huff?s defense has to be a concern for a National League team. The Giants shuffled defensive alignments throughout the playoffs and first base may be one of the most underrated defensive positions in baseball. He is likely a below average option despite some athleticism, but you always want a strong defensive team behind a great pitching staff. While his hitting numbers are very competent, first base is a traditional power position and as the Giants continue to look and build up their offense; does Huff bring enough numbers to fill that position? The Giants may be running a logjam of corner infielders with Huff, Mark DeRosa (who missed most of 2010 with injury), Pablo Sandoval (could be making an upcoming switch) and talented prospect Brandon Belt. With this many viable options, does it make sense to pay one of them this much money? The Verdict This is a safe signing for the Giants. They have a two-year commitment to a solid clubhouse guy who shows no overt signs of dropping off in his production. Based on other options at first base, the $10 million/year is a reasonable investment, but not a necessary one. I can?t fault general manager Brian Sabean on what is an above average move Grade: B