overs up the middle, Buster Posey, (Brandon) Crawford, (Joe) Panik. Being a groundball guy, thats a huge priority. Just the character, being on the

SAN FRANCISCO -- A thoughtful meeting in the Bay Area with the San Francisco brass and Mark Melancon didnt need much convincing. Not to mention he is already looking forward to talking nutrition and sport science with Hunter Pence, his former Houston teammate and yoga pal.I think we get a kick out of one another, Melancon said Tuesday, a day after reaching a $62 million, four-year contract with the Giants, the richest contract so far for a closer.San Francisco felt right to Melancon -- and the Giants needed him to stabilize the ninth inning.It was obvious that this organization knows how to win, and thats their top priority, Melancon said. Theyre set up with the Gold Glovers up the middle, Buster Posey, (Brandon) Crawford, (Joe) Panik. Being a groundball guy, thats a huge priority. Just the character, being on the other side, you could tell how much character there is in that other clubhouse, so be able to join it and join a group of guys that are veterans in winning, it was the total package in my opinion.He also gets to finish games following ace starters such as 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. With a better bullpen this year, the Giants might have added another even-numbered year championship following titles in 2010, 12 and 14.San Francisco blew 32 saves, including nine in September. Five relievers combined to squander Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the eventual champion Cubs, who scored four runs in the ninth inning to win 6-5.The Giants were willing to keep their payroll above the luxury-tax threshold for a third straight year to land Melancon. After paying $1.3 million for 2015 and about $3 million more for this year, their 2017 tax payroll already projects to $196 million, with plenty of moves left to make.One of the prices of getting Mark was paying the tax, as well, said CEO Larry Baer, who will have an overall payroll of more than $200 million for the first time. That was a pretty easy decision because of the value we believe Mark brings to the Giants.Melancon has saved at least 30 games in each of the past three seasons, recording a majors-best 51 in 2015. He went 47 for 51 in save opportunities in 75 relief appearances last season with Pittsburgh and Washington, tied for second-most saves with Baltimores Zach Britton and the Los Angeles Dodgers Kenley Jansen.The man gets big outs! Clint Hurdle, Melancons former manager with the Pirates, wrote in an email.Melancons three young children -- Brooklyn, 5; Jack, 2 +; and 1-year-old Ella -- are already learning about the iconic, bright orange Golden Gate Bridge and their soon-to-be new home. For Melancon, having some job security for four years means so much for his family to feel settled in a city and community.I saw the reason that they are such a good organization and why they want to win so much and the effort they will put in to winning, Melancon said. Im a huge proponentHe was traded from Pittsburgh to Washington midway through last season.A true professional in all aspects of the game and a class act off the field, Hurdle said. Always hunting for an edge or a way to improve his craft.Also Tuesday, general manager Bobby Evans said the Giants were finalizing a minor league deal with right-hander Bryan Morris that includes an invitation to big league spring training. Morris was 0-0 with a 3.06 ERA in 24 appearances for the Marlins in 2016 over 17 2/3 innings.---AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. Swell Bottle Brush Australia . - Derek Wolfe says hes finally healthy after suffering a seizure in November that doctors now believe was related to the spinal cord injury he suffered in the preseason. Swell Bottle Stockists Australia . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. http://www.swellbottleaustralia.com/ . Down by seven with 90 seconds left in regulation, thats where they looked comfortable. Swell Drink Bottles Australia . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. Swell Water Bottle Sale 17 Oz . -- Jakob Silfverberg is making himself right at home with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring four goals in his first four games. BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Gatlin Casey had three touchdown receptions and returned a kickoff 93 yards for another score to lead Lehigh to a 45-31 win over Colgate on Saturday in the Patriot League opener.Nick Shafnisky completed 27 of 40 passes for 394 yards, his third-straight game with at least 300 yards, and a career-high five touchdowns.Casey had 11 catches for 196 yards, both career highs on his way to a third-straight 100 yard game, with his touchdowns covering 33, 19 and 58 yards. Troy Pelletier had his fifth straight 100-yard game with six receptions for 102 yards and a 31--yard TD reception for the Mountain Hawks (4-2).ddddddddddddJake Melville threw for 180 yards and ran for 151 with a 75-yard touchdown for Colgate (1-4). Keyon Washington added 101 yards and a touchdown.After Washingtons 14-yard TD run late in the third quarter made it 31-24, Casey answered with his kickoff return. Shafnisky hit Dominick Bragalone for a 25-yard score in the fourth quarter.Lehigh kicker Ed Mish surpassed 100 points for his career. ' ' '