CHICAGO — To the great consternation of their most fervent fans, the San Francisco Giants didn't sign Vladimir Guerrero five winters ago. But they might have signed his teenage double yesterday.

The Giants agreed to terms with Rafael Rodriguez and announced it on his 16th birthday, the first day the Dominican outfielder was eligible to sign. He receives a $2.55 million signing bonus, a club record for an international player. The Giants had given Dominican infielder Angel Villalona $2.1 million in 2006.

Rodriguez is a big kid — 6-foot-5, 195 pounds — and plays an athletic right field. He has a strong arm, is a good runner and projects to hit for power, scouting director John Barr said.

Rodriguez's skills have drawn comparisons to those of Guerrero and Dave Winfield, though Barr said it wasn't fair to compare teenage players to big league stars.

"He's a five-tool player with the makeup and work ethic to fulfill his ability," said Barr, shouting into his cell phone from what sounded like the biggest party in Santo Domingo.

Giants special assistant Felipe Alou, who is baseball royalty in the Dominican, was instrumental in helping the Giants form a bond with Rodriguez.

Other teams made a strong run at him, with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals reportedly offering more money.

"I haven't seen him swing and miss yet," Alou said. "He hits golf balls in B.P. He has a huge strike zone, but he covers it pretty good. He's going to get bigger and stronger."

Rodriguez is on a 2009 contract and will report to the club's camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., soon for a physical. He will participate in Instructional League in October.

NO TRUTH TO RETIREMENT

Omar Vizquel denied a Denver Post report that he will retire over the All-Star break, saying he hoped his two-hit game yesterday would be the start of a better second half.

"Well, I am embarrassed by the way I'm hitting, but I haven't mentioned anything like that," said Vizquel, who has a .159 average. "I'm going to come back and play again. If I even think about that, the Giants will be the first to know."

Manager Bruce Bochy said the 41-year-old shortstop hadn't mentioned anything about retirement, though some teammates said Vizquel's goodbyes were oddly tender after the game. He traveled to his home in Seattle for the break.

CAIN GETS CC

Matt Cain will oppose Milwaukee's CC Sabathia when the Giants begin a homestand Friday. It'll be Jonathan Sanchez vs. Ben Sheets on Saturday and Tim Lincecum vs. Manny Parra on Sunday.