Jeff Kent signs with Astros

HOUSTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- In one of the boldest free agents signings in team history, the Houston Astros convinced the superstar infielder Jeff Kent to leave the San Francisco Giants Wednesday and sign a two-year contract to play in the Lone Star State.

"After Nolan Ryan, this is the most significant free-agent signing in the history of the franchise," Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker said. "No team will have a more dangerous middle of the lineup than the Houston Astros next year."

Financial terms were not immediately reported, but the agreement calls for an option for a third year.

While Kent is a native of California, he has a ranch in Spicewood, Texas, which is northwest of Austin. He recalled contacting Ryan with questions about the ranch several years ago.

"He turned me into a beach boy turned cowboy," Kent said.

In Houston, Kent could be used at third base, allowing Craig Biggio to remain at second. Kent could also stay at second with Biggio moving to the outfield.

"I have too much respect to come into a situation where I would step on anyone's toes," Kent said. "I was very aware of it."

Hunsicker hinted that Biggio, who began his career as a catcher, would be able to make the change.

"He's a consummate professional," Hunsicker said. "He's already made a position change and he could be our center fielder."

In Houston, Kent likely will bat fifth behind first baseman Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman.

Kent, the 2000 National League Most Valuable Player, had until Thursday to accept an arbitration offer from the Giants.

Kent is coming off a season in which he hit .313 with 37 homers and 108 RBI. He also scored 102 runs and was second in the National League with 195 hits.

The National League champion Giants were willing to offer Kent arbitration, but could not agree to terms on a long-term deal. The Giants instead signed free agent Edgardo Alfonzo on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Kent led the NL in extra-base hits (81) and multi-hit games (63). His 195 hits were the second most in the NL behind Montreal's Vladimir Guerrero. Kent is the only second baseman in major league history to drive in 100 runs in six consecutive seasons. His numbers could improve playing in cozy Minute Maid Park.

The Astros faded down the stretch last season and finished in second place in the NL Central at 84-78 record, 13 games behind St. Louis.

"This ballclub is on the verge of doing some great things," Kent said. "To be inserted alongside Biggio, Berkman and Bagwell, this ballclub has got that potential that I'm looking for as a free agent."

Kent and Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker are old acquaintances from their days in the New York Mets' organization in the early 1990s.

Kent hit 175 homers and drove in 689 runs in his six seasons at San Francisco. His departure ends his often rocky tenure with Giants star Barry Bonds.

"Barry Bonds is the greatest player that I have ever played with," Kent said. "He has helped my career and I believe I have helped him. Barry and I had a mutual respect."

A three-time All-Star, Kent has finished in the top 10 in NL MVP balloting four times in the last six years. Kent is a career .289 hitter with 253 homers and 1,009 RBI in stints with Toronto, the Mets, Cleveland and the Giants.