The San Francisco Giants signed Santiago Casilla to a minor league contract on Jan. 2, 2010, after he was non-tended by the Oakland Athletics.
During his six seasons in Oakland, he posted a 5.11 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 152 appearances, including a 5.96 ERA over 46 games in 2009.
Entering his age-29 season, he was a buy-low depth pickup who was a longshot to even make the 25-man roster.
After opening the 2010 season at Triple-A, he made his San Francisco Giants debut on May 21, and he wasted little time becoming an integral part of the club’s relief corps.