Aubrey Huff wants to be back in 2011

Aubrey Huff and the Giants have mutual interest in working out a new contract, but neither he nor club officials expect a resolution before free agents hit the open market Sunday night.

"No, not yet, man," said Huff, who triumphantly raised his rally thong, the most famous underwear in San Francisco, during Wednesday's victory parade. "I'm just enjoying this time. I'm sure that's going to be there when it's there. Just soaking this whole day in, seriously."

In most years, the Giants would be far down the road in negotiations with their own free agents before their window of exclusivity closed. But they didn't sit back and watch the World Series on television this year, and under new rules, players now become free agents five days after the final out -- reduced from the customary 15 days.

Vice president Bobby Evans said the front office held meetings Tuesday, but they did not expect to announce any deals before 9:01 p.m. Sunday, when free agents may sign with any club.

Huff, 33, didn't receive any other offers this past winter before accepting $3 million to become a Giant. He led the club with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs, and his .385 on-base percentage ranked 10th among NL players. He became the first Giant to score 100 runs in a season since Barry Bonds in 2004.

Huff fired his agency, SFX, earlier this year. He either is shopping for a new agent or could represent himself in negotiations -- which usually points to a quicker resolution.

Huff wagered he'd be back because "you want to defend your title. You want to bring back as many people as you can. With our starting pitching, there's no reason we won't be in position to do it again."

He delivered a passionate message to fans on the steps of City Hall, recounting that nine years of his life were spent in fourth place or worse for hopeless teams in the AL East.

"This organization had the heart to bring me here, and here I am in front of all you beautiful people, and I've got a little present for you," he said, producing his lucky red rally thong and holding it over his head like a title belt. "Rally Thong is going to the Hall of Fame. Or maybe we'll just wear it next spring training. San Francisco, baby!"



(mercurynews.com)