The Rockies announced that they have agreed to a minor league deal with Jason Giambi (Twitter link). The agreement, which is pending a physical, includes an invitation to big league camp for the WMG client. Giambi will earn $1MM in 2011 if he makes the team, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter link).
Giambi hit .244/.378/.398 with six homers and 35 walks in 222 plate appearances for the Rockies last year. The 40-year-old left-handed batter isn't a natural complement to first baseman Todd Helton, or a viable defender at this point in his career. The Rockies have already added infielders Jose Lopez and Ty Wigginton this offseason, but Giambi will provide the team with depth.
THE GIAMBINO!
GIAMBINO is a nice Nickname.
A minor league deal for the Giambino… times have changed, haha…
He’s fallen far, but he had a great run. He combined for 19.4 WAR over two years! That’s absolutely insane. Now, however, he is a good bench option with power off the bench, but his limited range in the field really hurts his value.
Not sure if i see the reason behind this deal. Wigginton and Helton will be splitting time at 1st. And there is zero room on the 25 man roster and in a very crowded infield already. But if some how he makes it, i can only see late inning pinch hits.
Would you rather see Giambi up in the ninth, or Seth Smith? Or in the clubhouse?
I wish he would retire to be honest. Its always sad to see someone that had as much talent as Giambi stick around longer then they should and end up in an embarassing situation (Griffey last year).
“Coach Giambi” is back for at least spring training. There is no spot on the Rockies 25 for him this year.
I’ll be intrested in seeing if his neck has decreased in size.
HAHAHA
Damn.. A minor league deal with no invitation to spring training? Wow. Going from New York Yankees making 15 million a year to 1 million a year. That’s like going from a Doctor to working at McDonalds…… Damn
It does include a invite to spring training…it says it in the post.