The Giants sought short-term experience in the middle of what otherwise looks to be an extremely young infield. Renteria, 33, will push Emmanuel Burriss into competition with Kevin Frandsen for time at second base. Frandsen also could see time at third base, although the Giants aren't certain whether Pablo Sandoval will get most of his at-bats there or at first base.

The infield picture is far from finished. Renteria isn't the power-hitting presence the Giants so desperately need; General Manager Brian Sabean hopes to trade for a slugger at next week's winter meetings in Las Vegas.

Only a handful of the 170-plus free agents have signed deals since the free-agency period began Nov. 14; just four players have signed with new clubs, and three of those have joined the Giants. The other new Giants are relief pitchers Bobby Howry and Jeremy Affeldt.

Giants officials preferred Renteria on a shorter contract to Rafael Furcal, a more offensively gifted shortstop who was seeking four years despite having back surgery in July.

Renteria is coming off a disappointing season in which he hit .270 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI for the Detroit Tigers. His conditioning was questioned when he reported to spring training, but he rebounded for much better numbers in the second half.

"We're extremely excited to bring a player of Edgar's caliber to our organization," Sabean said in a news release. "He is a complete player on both sides of the ball, a clutch performer and a winner. He has the hardware to show it with the awards he has garnered and a World Series ring. We look forward to seeing him in a Giants uniform."

The Tigers paid Renteria a $3 million buyout on his $11 million option for 2009, and declined to offer him salary arbitration meaning that the Giants won't lose a draft pick for signing him.

Renteria contended for a batting title as recently as two seasons ago, when he hit .332 for the Atlanta Braves. In his 13 major league seasons, he has a much better track record while playing for National League clubs.

The St. Louis Cardinals also looked hard at Renteria, but reports had them trading for San Diego Padres shortstop Khalil Greene.

Renteria replaces Omar Vizquel as the experienced hand on the infield. Renteria has two Gold Gloves in his career nine fewer than Vizquel but scouts said his range has deteriorated in recent seasons and he is deficient going to his right side.

Coincidentally, Renteria's single that clinched Game 7 of the 1997 World Series for Florida also doomed the Cleveland Indians and spoiled Vizquel's best chance at a ring.