adios, happy peter

Pedro Feliz signed with the Phillies today, ending a disappointing era in San Francisco. There's an inverse correlation between the size of Pedro Feliz's role on the team, and the team's success on the field.

2002: Feliz backs up David Bell and occasionally pinch-hits. Giants win the National League pennant. They lose in Game Seven of the World Series, not coincidentally, after inserting Feliz into the starting lineup at DH.

2003: The Giants win 103 games, while a newly-aged Feliz continued to back up third. In addition, he spent 25 games at first base and in the outfield. An increase in Feliz led to a decrease in post-season success, as the Giants bowed out in the divisional round of the playoffs.

2004: Feliz doubled his plate appearances, and the Giants won 12 fewer games. They missed the playoffs.

2005: An injury to Barry Bonds opened up a hole in left field. Feliz filled that hole with a .295 on-base average. Feliz appeared in 156 games; the Giants won only 75 games.

2006: Feliz played in a career-high 160 games, taking over as the team's regular third baseman. The team responded by finishing 11.5 games out of first place.

2007: In slightly reduced playing time, Feliz still finished second on the team in home runs. Giants finished last.

For all intents and purposes, he was Pedro Triste for the Giants. I will miss his defense and versatility, but I won't miss his wild swings at curveballs in the dirt. Adios y buen suerte, Happy Peter.