"Not only is Jason Giambi back on a one-year, $1-million minor-league deal, but he has a real chance to make the Rockies. General manager Dan O'Dowd spoke with colleague Jim Armstrong today, spelling out how Giambi could stick with the club despite a glut of backup first basemen. He did this while finishing a two-year, $6.6-million deal with reliever Matt Lindstrom that includes a club option for his first year of free ageny in 2013.

The key? The Rockies are prepared to go with four outfielders — Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, Seth Smith and Ryan Spilborghs — which could free up a roster spot for a slugging pinch-hitter like Giambi. This is possible because Ty Wigginton can play the corner outfield spots and Jon Herrera, the Rockies believe, can move out to left field in a pinch.

The Rockies pulled off another mild surprise today, signing reliever Matt Lindstrom to a two-year deal with a club option in his first year of free agency in 2013.

Giambi, one of the Rockies' most popular players among fans and teammates, figured he was moving on after last season. There was no real spot for him with Todd Helton returning. And there seemed to be even less a chance of his return after the Rockies signed free agent Wigginton, acquired Jose Lopez and signed Mike Jacobs to a minor-league deal, all of whom can play first base. "