According to Mychael Urban of Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants have contacted free-agent outfielder Jack Cust.

The Giants are in need of a left-handed power hitter to add to their dominantly right-handed lineup.  Additionally, the team needs to add a quality bat in order to provide more pitches to Pablo Sandoval.  Cust would most likely play left or right field if he joins the Giants.

The Oakland Athletics, Cust’s team for the last three season, have remained interested in Cust despite not tendering him a contract last month.  It was rumored last month that Cust had 2-3 offers on the table.  Some believed that in addition to the Giants, the Royals and Tigers had interest in him.  It was expected that Cust would join an American League team since he has been a designated hitter most of the time with the A’s.

Cust earned $2.8 million in 2009 with the A’s while hitting 25 home runs, driving in 70 runs and hitting .240 over 149 games.  You can read Jack Cust’s entire contract history and statistics here.