Giants get Freddy Sanchez from Pirates

SAN FRANCISCO, July 30 (UPI) -- San Francisco has acquired second baseman Freddy Sanchez from Pittsburgh for minor league right handed pitcher Tim Alderson.

Sanchez, 31, a three-time All-Star and 2006 National League batting champion, is hitting .296 with six homers and 34 RBI in 86 games (355 at-bats) this season.

The .300 lifetime hitter began his major league career with Boston in 2002-03, but has played for the Pirates the past six seasons.

He will be a free agent at season's end.

"There won't be any plays where I'm not giving 100 percent," he said on the Giants' team Web site.

"I'm very excited," San Francisco Manager Bruce Bochy said. "I've seen Freddy from the other side and you have to appreciate the way he plays the game on both sides of the ball."

The Sanchez trade leaves the Pirates with only one player -- catcher Ryan Duomit -- who started their 2008 season-opener against Atlanta.