Wednesday, July 4 Pirates' Giles earns big bucks with selection Associated Press |
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CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Brian Giles made the All-Star team Wednesday. He made $1 million, too.
Giles was chosen as the Pittsburgh Pirates' representative for the game in Seattle, kicking in one of the escalator clauses in his contract. The $45 million, six-year contract he got in May 2000 stipulated a raise in his base salary if he made the All-Star game twice between 2000-02. Giles made his first All-Star game last season, going 0-for-2. His selection Wednesday automatically increased his base salary for 2003 and 2004 from $7 million to $7.5 million each season. He wasn't confident about making the All-Star team this year, even though he led the Pirates in average (.341), hits (104), doubles (27) and homers (19). "I thought it would be tough to get in as an outfielder because so many outfielders are having great years this year," he said. Giles was low-key after the selection was announced, sipping a cup of coffee outside the Pirates' clubhouse as their game against the Cincinnati Reds was delayed by rain. Giles, who came to the Pirates for reliever Ricardo Rincon in November 1998, was taken aback when he showed up for his first All-Star game in Atlanta last year. "You're in the locker room and it's pretty impressive," he said. "You're sitting there, getting dressed with a bunch of guys who are going to the Hall of Fame. You don't know if you're more nervous or happy to be getting the opportunity to be in the same room with them. Last year, Giles relied on teammate Jason Kendall to help him through. He's going by himself this year. "I'll be a little more relaxed," he said. "I'll know what to expect. The first time you go to one of those things, it's like your first day in the big leagues. You're nervous and you really don't know how to act. "I looked like Kendall's dog last year, following him around, not knowing what I'm doing." |
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