With Aubrey Huff signed, the Giants' main focus turns toward finding a shortstop. They still have considerable interest in re-signing Juan Uribe, who did a creditable job at the position, but so do a lot of other teams because of a dearth of left-side infielders on the free-agent market.

"This may take some time to get sorted out," general manager Brian Sabean said. "I think both sides are willing to do something faster, but we're not talking the same language yet as far as the ballpark figures. I think he'll have multiple offers for different reasons than Huff."

The Giants might even face competition from the Dodgers, who have rumored interest.

If another team signs Uribe, the Giants will get a compensatory second-round draft pick because they offered him arbitration.

Sabean continues to discuss trades for shortstops. Boston's Marco Scutaro and Tampa Bay's Jason Bartlett are thought to be available. The Giants really want Arizona's Stephen Drew, but GM Kevin Towers will not deal him. Another possibility is Jose Reyes, whom the Mets seem willing to trade as they seek payroll relief.

The Giants could give Emmanuel Burriss a shot.

Sandoval in Arizona: In the first real sign that Pablo Sandoval is serious about losing weight and developing proper eating habits, he decided without prompting not to live in San Diego this winter, but to stay in Arizona and work with a commercial training outfit.

Head trainer Dave Groeschner said Sandoval signed on with Triple Threat Performance, based in Tempe, Ariz. Unlike last year's Operation Panda, which involved intense workouts at Giants facilities for two weeks, Sandoval will work with Triple Threat trainers all winter.

Groeschner and conditioning coordinator Ben Potenziano can keep a closer eye on Sandoval because they live in Arizona. Groeschner views Sandoval's move as a good sign.

"I think it was pretty well stated by (manager Bruce Bochy): Pablo knows what he has to do," Groeschner said. "We're not going to work directly with him, but we'll be here to help him if he wants it."

Briefly: First-base prospect Brandon Belt will get a good look in spring training with an outside chance to win a big-league job. Sabean said Belt is "on the same track" as Buster Posey. Bochy said, "I think this kid is going to make some noise in spring training." ... Huff expressed his wish for the Giants to re-sign Pat Burrell. Sabean said that remains possible, but Burrell's fate is not an immediate priority.