The Giants took another step toward bolstering their bullpen Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with free agent reliever Bob Howry.
The Giants had been looking for a reliable right-handed reliever and filled another spot with Howry, who was declined salary arbitration by the Chicago Cubs on Monday. San Francisco already signed reliever Jeremy Affeldt last month.
The 35-year-old Howry, 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, went 7-5 with a 5.35 ERA in 72 appearances and 70 2-3 innings for the Cubs in 2008, his 11th major league season.
The Giants' relievers posted a 4.45 ERA last season. They gave up 62 homers, the third-most in the NL, while pitching the fourth-fewest innings at 487 1-3.
Howry has also played for the Cleveland Indians.
