Signing Alfonso likely means Kent's out with Giants.

Byline: Joe Roderick

NASHVILLE, Tenn. _ In what can only be described as a sudden turn of events, the San Francisco Giants signed former New York Mets infielder Edgardo Alfonzo to a four-year, $26 million contract Sunday, a deal that all but spelled the end of the team's association with second baseman Jeff Kent.

The Giants were believed to be close to re-signing Kent the night before; however, neither Kent's agent nor a source familiar with the talks said the parties were close to an agreement.

Kent's agent, Jeff Klein, has received a couple of multiyear offers, though reported interest by Los Angeles on Sunday was shot down by a Dodgers source. Although Klein put a positive spin on the development, it would take a series of dramatic twists and turns for Kent to remain with the Giants.

"We'll have to see where this takes us," Klein said late …