On the eve of the first Major League Baseball game played atAT&T Park in 2012, the focus was not on the field, but on Matt Cain.After receiving a five-year contract extension worth a guaranteed 112.5million from 2013 through 2017, Matt Cain was flanked by general manger BrianSabean, CEO Larry Baer and manager Bruce Bochy at a press conference Mondayafternoon.This is the way its supposed to turn out, Sabean said. We love him and heloves us.Before the extension, Cain was set to hit free agency after the 2012 season,but is now guaranteed to keep his title as the longest tenured active Giant forat least another six seasons.Were extremely excited about knowing were going to be here through 2017,Cain said. Cains contract also includes a full no-trade clause, which the right-handersaid he appreciated because it shows him that the Giants want him to stay inSan Francisco.After watching Cain throw over 200 innings in each of the past five years,Sabean said there was no question about the Giants desire to retain their first-rounddraft pick in 2002.This kid has literally gotten better each year, Sabean said.Bochy expressed relief that his teams strengththe starting rotationwouldstay in tact for the time being.We have one of the elite pitchers in the game, Bochy said of Cain. To havehim another five years, we know were very fortunate.Bochy also commended Cain on his leadership skills and ability to move past thenumerous starts in which the Giants have failed to score runs behind him,leading to his 69-73 career record.Hes a leader that leads by example, Bochy said. Hes been through toughluck with the wins and losses but never points a finger.Sabean said that vice president of baseball operations BobbyEvans represented the team in negotiations, while he dubbed himself The Wizardof Oz.You just keep grinding to that ultimate figure, Sabean said. But it wasntcontentious. There was no knock down, drag out about it.
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