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Jason Giambi News & Rumors

Jason Giambi eager to return to Rockies in 2012
September 4
Denver Post
 
"For starters, first base isn't the problem in the Rockies' disappointing season. Jason Giambi? and Todd Helton? have combined for 26 home runs, 32 doubles and 96 RBIs. Helton is under contract for next season, and Giambi said Saturday he would like to return as well. The Rockies hold a mutual option for $1 million on Giambi, with a $150,000 buyout for next season. "They know I want to be back here," Giambi said."
Giambi's walkoff homer lifts Colorado Rockies past Florida Marlins
August 16
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' season hasn't been one big disappointment so much as several little ones. Jorge De La Rosa's season-ending elbow injury. Juan Nicasio's frightening ordeal on the mound. The eternal search for a key hit in the clutch. They're all on the list. At the top of it, though, may be the Rockies' inability to win at Coors Field, a house of horrors for opponents in 2009 and 2010. "One thing we haven't done this year is have a fantastic homestand like we've been known to have here over the course of the past couple of years," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "If I had one wish . . . it would be for one of our real, real good homestands." Lo and behold, the Rockies, for one night anyway,"
Jason Giambi still drawing trade interest
July 27
Denver Post
 
"The standings frame everything with the staggering Rockies. Jason Giambi is hurt. That was a fact Monday night. Now that he's on the disabled list, the question is simple: Will he still be traded to the Phillies? Roster moves, not a potential move in the National League West, are captivating fans these days. With his left quadriceps sore and needing time to heal, the Rockies put Giambi on the shelf. Infielder Chris Nelson will take Giambi's spot. "We need to give Jason a chance to rest," manager Jim Tracy said. Giambi, 40, seemed destined to land in Philadelphia as Matt Stairs incarnate. He still could if the Phillies agree to a deal while he's on the DL. If not, a waiver-wire transaction"
Jimenez deal unlikely; Giambi might be moved
July 26
Denver Post
 
"A clearer picture is emerging in trade talks involving Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez and slugger Jason Giambi as the major leagues' Sunday deadline approaches. The Rockies continue to listen and negotiate with multiple teams regarding Jimenez, with the Reds receiving the most attention. However, chances remain slim that the Rockies trade the star right- hander because their demands are so high that teams are expected to pass. The Phillies called about Giambi before this road trip and are expected to circle back soon. The Pirates also have some interest but are considered longshots. The Rockies' original intent on making Jimenez available was to motivate him and to fill a void in a barren"
Giambi fired up to return to Yankee Stadium
June 24
Denver Post
 
"He's 40, with a stubble more salt than pepper, but don't kid yourself. Jason Giambi still gets excited, still feels like a rookie, still can't wait to get to the ballpark. Especially one ballpark. That would be Yankee Stadium. No, it's not the same Yankee Stadium he played in from 2002-08, but, with the Bronx Bombers, it was never about steel and concrete. It was about Ruth and Gehrig, and Mantle and Maris. "It's Yankee Stadium," Giambi said. "I don't think it will ever lose its mystique or magic. From players to the ownership to everything, it's always going to be special there." So it is that, when the Rockies arrive in the Bronx tonight for a three-game interleague series, Giambi's"
Jason Giambi, Jeremy Giambi, Marvin Benard testify
March 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Gwen Knapp
"The admissions all seemed so casual, even nonchalant. Three ballplayers took the witness stand in federal court Tuesday and, as expected, confirmed that they had received performance-enhancing drugs from Greg Anderson, Barry Bonds' childhood friend and weight trainer. They had testified to the same information in front of an ostensibly secret grand jury in 2003. But the players also all admitted Tuesday that they had juiced before they'd ever heard of Anderson or BALCO, the Burlingame lab that triggered a historic investigation into athletic doping and then spun off Bonds' current perjury trial. Jason Giambi testified that Anderson ran some tests on his blood and urine in late 2002, then"
Giambi finding comfort zone as pinch hitter
March 21
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies lost an alarming 30 one-run games in 2010, partly because Jason Giambi, at 39, was going through his rookie season as a late-inning pinch hitter. Being a designated hitter is one thing. But Giambi, the proud owner of more than 8,000 plate appearances in the big leagues, discovered that nothing could have prepared him for the job he took on last year. "It's different than DHing," Giambi said. "Coming off the bench here or there is definitely the toughest role in the game. After last year, I have a lot more respect for guys who can get it done, and do it well." Giambi is, to use Rockies manager Jim Tracy's term, the last bullet. He pinch hits with the game hanging in the balance."
Regardless of role, Giambi giving his all
March 20
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Don't tell Rockies veteran Jason Giambi he's too old, or he's made too much money, or he's been too renowned or too successful to care. Don't tell him it was just a Spring Training game. The triumphant toss of the bat as he watched a monstrous home run off Rangers right-hander Mark Lowe sail more than halfway up a terrace above the center-field wall at Surprise Stadium on Wednesday night spoke for the awesomeness of the moment. Actually, Giambi did quite well with the spoken word. "It's the purest form of perfection that you can reach in this game," Giambi said softly, savoring each syllable. "It's like a warm butter knife through butter. It's just smooth, easy and it comes off your bat."
Giambi: a lighter Teddy bear on a roll
March 6
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi shares the same birthday as Elvis Presley. The King has left the building, but Giambi isn't about to exit while he's still hitting. Giambi, 40, arrived at his second Rockies camp a few pounds lighter and his swing healthier. He hasn't stopped raking since he homered off Greg Reynolds on the first day of live pitching last month. Giambi went 2-for-3 with two RBIs Saturday, including a 400-foot laser off the right-field wall. This came one day after he legged out an infield single with his Babe Ruth choppy- running steps. "That's a new part of my game I've been working on," Giambi attempted to say with a straight face. "You can't stop 'G' when he gets rolling (on the bases).""
Giambi back with Rockies in slugging pinch-hit role
January 18
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi is back and, if all goes as planned, he's here to stay. Giambi appeared to be the odd man out on the Rockies' bench this season after the signing of free agent Ty Wigginton, but he agreed to a minor-league contract for one year and $1 million on Monday. The plan, according to Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, is to carry four outfielders, which would make room for Giambi as a late-inning pinch-hitting specialist. "It's huge," said O'Dowd of Giambi's role. "It changes the way managers set up against us. I can't emphasize it enough. We wouldn't bring him back if we didn't think so." Giambi, 40, hit .244 last season with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 176 at-bats. He hit .235 in"
Giambi, Lindstrom sign deals with Rockies
January 18
Denver Post
 
"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"
Rockies' Giambi likely out for season
September 28
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi's second season with the Rockies appears to be finished. Giambi strained his left biceps tendon Sunday when he swung at a Matt Cain pitch in the ninth inning. He grimaced at the plate as the bat flew out of his hands and hit the ground. "He felt it," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "I leaned over and whispered to my bench coach (Tom Runnells), 'He hurt himself.' Have you ever seen him take a swing and the bat come flying out of his hand? He tweaked something in there." Giambi is scheduled to undergo an MRI, but all signs point to him being shut down. If so, he'll walk away with a .244 batting average with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 176 at-bats. He's also tied for the team"
Giambi's walkoff homer gives Rockies 10th straight victory
September 13
Denver Post
 
"As Jason Giambi flipped his helmet in the air like a wedding bouquet and stomped on home plate Sunday, there was only one possible conclusion to reach: When it comes to the Rockies in September, they are much easier to accept than explain. After five months of reaching repeated crossroads, a clear path to the playoffs has opened after a 4-2 walkoff victory over the Diamondbacks. The only team that felt worse than Arizona about Colorado's 10th straight win was the San Diego Padres. They are next. They arrive tonight as a first-place team in name only, locked in a virtual tie with the Giants and leading the Rockies by only 1 1/2 games after dropping 13 of their last 17. The Rockies started"
Giambi heating up at right time
July 9
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi left the game, and the clubhouse, early after a four-hit day, leaving behind his baseball-designed Rice Krispies Treat in celebration of career game No. 2,000. Three chunks were missing, one for every run he contributed in the Rockies' 4-2 victory over St. Louis. After a sluggish start to his season, when he struggled to get above .200, Giambi is batting .259 since April. He figures to keep getting a lot of playing time with first baseman Todd Helton placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday. "He works hard every single day to get better," said Carlos Gonzalez, who scored on Giambi's single in the fifth inning. "You have to stay focused even when you struggle, and you have"
Giambi excited to be in lineup, getting at-bats
May 22
Denver Post
 
"Regardless of what he does this weekend, the Rockies figure to benefit in the long run from Jason Giambi being in the lineup against the Kansas City Royals. Giambi hit second Friday night and will start today and Sunday, providing him with at-bats that figure to be invaluable as he continues to make the adjustment from seldom- used role player to everyday middle-of-the-order hitter. "I'm excited about it," Giambi said. "Those are the things that can carry you when you get pinch-hit at-bats later in the season. It's all about getting more comfortable in the box." Giambi is 7-for-35 this season. Now for the fine print: He is 0-for-9 pinch hitting, a drastic difference from last year, when he"
Pitching machine puts Giambi back in the swing of things
May 11
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi has taken steps to accelerate his adjustment as a bench player by accelerating pitches. He has used a pitching machine during batting practice to simulate the fastballs he's been seeing as a pinch hitter for the Rockies. "It has helped with my timing," said Giambi, who knocked in three runs with two singles and a sacrifice fly, his first multi-RBI game of the season. Bare facts. Phillies shortstop Wilson Valdez bobbled Clint Barmes' popup before catching it with his bare hand. Extra helping. Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart delivered his first extra-base hit at Coors Field this season, doubling in the fourth inning."
Tracy: Giambi facing toughest duty on team
May 9
Denver Post
 
"If Jason Giambi doesn't heat up at the plate, it won't be because the Rockies denied him ample time. Giambi is 2-for-22, including 0-for-7 as a pinch hitter, with 10 strikeouts. But there will be no Chris Iannetta-like rush to judgment with the former American League MVP. "Let's be fair about this," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "I've asked him to do about as difficult a duty as there is for anybody on this team to have to do. His offensive opportunity up to this point has been very sporadic." That will change soon enough, beginning May 21-23 at Kansas City, when Giambi is scheduled to be the Rockies' designated hitter in an interleague series against the Royals. "That's something that"
Giambi finding other ways to contribute
April 22
Denver Post
 
"Generally, when a player has the same number of errors as hits three weeks into the season, it's cause for alarm. Jason Giambi, though, is not concerned. It's a byproduct of life as a full-time bench player, a role he's never filled for an entire year. "It's just an adjustment. I am not frustrated," Giambi said Wednesday. "Last year was totally different because I played every day in Triple-A for a week and got a lot of at-bats right when they brought me up." After starting the season 0-for-10, Giambi legged out an infield single to shortstop in the fourth inning. Giambi, 38, had walked six times, an indication that he was still tracking the ball well. "The hits are going to fall," said"
Giambi and Helton are bonded by their love of hitting
March 28
Denver Post
 columnist Troy E. Renck
"Jason Giambi weighs a ripped 230 pounds, is covered in tattoos and lives in Las Vegas. Todd Helton jokes that he's one of only two Rockies without abs, has no ink on his body and is a certified redneck. Giambi has financial stakes in multiple Hard Rock Hotel nightclubs, including Vanity and Wasted Space. Helton gets extra space in the Rockies' clubhouse, afforded two lockers as a sign of respect. Giambi is a little bit rock 'n' roll, specifically Metallica. Helton is a little bit country, namely George Strait. Giambi owns a private jet. Helton drives a Ford pickup. And yet it's hard to find two players who get along better than the Rockies' resident odd couple. "We are like an old"
Giambi excited for season
March 19
Denver Post
 
"It wasn't a significant first by any means, but it was a first nonetheless. Jason Giambi, owner of 400-plus major-league home runs and an American League MVP award, making the trek from Tucson to Phoenix to play a spring training game? Even Jim Tracy had to laugh at that notion. "Yes," Tracy said Wednesday, "Russell Crowe is making the trip." So how did Giambi roll into town Thursday morning? "No, I didn't helicopter down and land on the field," Giambi said. "Those days are over. I drove down here." Giambi was in the lineup as a designated hitter, mainly so he could get a couple of at-bats against a left-hander, in this case Mariners starter Ryan Rowland-Smith. He will, after all, see his"
Veterans Helton, Giambi won't play until next week
March 4
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton and Jason Giambi are the older brothers of the Rockies' family. They get privileges based on age and accomplishment. Manager Jim Tracy told The Denver Post that neither one will play in a spring training game until late next week. "They will be on a similar program," Tracy said. "They know what it takes to get ready for a season." The schedule for the 36-year-old Helton was mapped out after Tracy talked with trainer Keith Dugger over the winter. Helton acknowledged that he was gassed when the Rockies reached the playoffs last fall. He's open to the idea of more days off because of Giambi's presence. Hitting instructor Don Baylor said Helton and Giambi, 39, will make their"
For now, Giambi content to just watch at BP
February 28
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell used to say of a batter who took a third strike: "He stood there like the house by the side of the road and watched that one go by." That reference came to mind watching Jason Giambi on Friday and most of Saturday. By design, Giambi watched every pitch he saw and never took a swing Friday when he took batting practice for the first time this spring. Seth Smith, who like Giambi is a left-handed hitter off the bench, was hitting with Giambi and Paul Lo Duca was behind the plate. Lo Duca was there again Saturday, and Smith was beside the batting cage, watching Giambi track a succession of pitches."
Giambi brings experience, wisdom to Rockies
February 25
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Jason Giambi went to big league spring training for the first time in 1993 with Oakland. His locker was next to that of Goose Gossage, who was then 41 and setting up for A's closer Dennis Eckersley. "I sat there for six weeks scared to death of him," Giambi said of Gossage. "We still talk about it to this day. It was awesome. He loved it. He was old school: You're a rookie. You shut your (bleeping) mouth." Giambi remembers at the end of the spring, Gossage told Giambi it had been a wonderful six weeks, the reason being Giambi simply sat there, listened and didn't have any sense of privilege. That '93 A's team also included the likes of Rickey Henderson, Terry Steinbach, Dave Henderson and"
Giambi proves valuable to Rockies behind scenes, too
February 25
Denver Post
 
"Forget his private plane and Las Vegas nightclub. Here's how you know Jason Giambi is a big deal with the Rockies: First baseman Todd Helton endorsed his return, and Troy Tulowitzki demanded that Giambi's locker be placed next to his, both here and during the regular season. "My at-bats got so much better with him on the team. He relaxed me and put me in a better state of mind, reminding me that I don't need to carry the team," Tulowitzki said. "I can't tell you how much he helped me." Thumb through the Rockies' history and it's hard to find a bench player with more cachet than Giambi. He's a former American League MVP, and he still grinds out at-bats with such intensity that manager Jim"
Giambi's return gives Rockies "a rock star"
January 24
Denver Post
 
"Jason Giambi has been busy. Over the past few weeks, he has opened his new Las Vegas club Vanity, been pictured hanging out with P. Diddy and former Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean, and celebrated his 39th birthday. Saturday, he gave the Rockies and their fans a present, agreeing to return to Denver with a one-year contract worth roughly $1.7 million, pending a physical. Giambi will serve as a pinch hitter, while spelling Todd Helton at first base. "I love it," Helton said Saturday. "He's a rock star." Giambi's signing is multi-faceted. For starters, he was quite a reserve last season. After joining the Rockies on Sept. 1, he produced game-winning pinch hits in his first two games. He batted"
Giambi open to returning to Rockies
January 8
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' patience has left them with plenty of bench options with spring training five weeks away. Jason Giambi told Rockies' players last weekend he remains interested in returning if a designated hitter role doesn't materialize. And Colorado continues to talk to the agents for Fernando Tatis and Robb Quinlan, though Quinlan is receiving strong interest from at least one other National League West team. "The Rockies have expressed to us that they like Robb, and there is mutual interest," agent Joe Speed said. "We are just waiting for the right type of offer." Giambi was a hit with the Rockies last season, joining the team in August as a bench player. He instantly meshed in the"
Giambi Speaks; Fowler Listens
October 9
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"A glance at the stats from the first two games of the NL Division Series between the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies will show that Jason Giambi had only one at-bat, and he struck out, on four pitches with the bases loaded to end the eighth inning of Game 2 on Thursday afternoon. Don't be misled. The Rockies held on for a 5-4 victory against the Phillies in that game, evening the best-of-five series that now heads to Colorado for the next two games, and Giambi's impact was significant. Hours before a pitch was thrown, when the frustrations of a Game 1 loss was still fresh in the mind of rookie center fielder Dexter Fowler, who had gone 0-for-4 and flied out to right on the first"
Veteran Giambi guiding young Rockies in tense playoffs
October 9
Denver Post
 
"It was one of those small moments that looms large after the dust and drama have settled. Before Thursday's Game 2 of the National League division series, Rockies pinch hitter Jason Giambi worked the batting cage, telling the youngest Rockies to relax, play their game, let their talents loose. With 43 postseason games under his belt, the 38-year-old veteran knows what he's talking about. The way Giambi had it figured, Wednesday's Game 1 should have been more than enough to set get rid of those abdominal butterflies. "Jason basically huddled up all the kids that were involved yesterday - guys that had never been in the postseason - and Jason's message to them was, 'OK, now you've been to"
Giambi bolsters Rockies' bench
October 7
Philly.com
 
"Sure, Jason Giambi is the most recognizable name - and face - coming off the Colorado bench, but the Rockies had established their bench identity well before the former Yankees/Athletics slugger headed their way just over a month ago. "His presence has helped, but as far as coming in and helping the bench guys, we already had strong bench guys," said Colorado reserve outfielder Ryan Spilborghs."I think a lot of guys on this team have been doing this bench role for a bit so we have an understanding. But as far as making our bench better, he obviously makes our bench so much stronger."The National League division series begins this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park and those not scheduled to"
Giambi Makes Himself at Home in a New Race
September 3
New York Times
 
"Jason Giambi is wearing a black sleeveless T-shirt, flaunting the flaming skull tattoo on his bulging left arm. His cap, pulled tight, sits backward atop his head. A Fu Manchu-style mustache accentuates his 5 o'clock shadow. After all these years, Giambi still looks like a slugger, but appearances can be deceiving. Out of baseball two weeks ago after he and his .193 average were released by Oakland, Giambi has latched on with the Colorado Rockies. Or, more precisely, with their bench, where he will begin most every game. Giambi, 38, is the latest aging power hitter to drift into the pennant race, eager for what could be his final chance at an elusive World Series title. In 14 complete"
Rockies unfazed by flurry
September 2
Denver Post
 
"The Monday night trading frenzy in the National League West created little more than shrugged shoulders from the Rockies. The Dodgers got Jon Garland, a Rockies target, and Jim Thome, and the Giants signed Brad Penny? So what was the prevailing vibe at Coors Field? "I am not worried about who in the (heck) other teams got," manager Jim Tracy said. "Our concern is who we have." The Rockies countered the Dodgers with similar moves, promoting former all-star slugger Jason Giambi and acquiring Jose Contreras. Contreras will receive two starting assignments, the first Saturday against the Diamondbacks. If Contreras can command his fastball, allowing him to set up his split-finger and slider,"
Rockies hope Giambi powers playoff drive
August 25
Toronto Star
 
"The Colorado Rockies signed former AL MVP Jason Giambi to a minor-league contract yesterday. The 38-year-old Giambi will report to Triple-A Colorado Springs, hoping for a September call-up to help the Rockies with their pennant push. Colorado went into last night's game against San Francisco with a three-game lead in the NL wild-card race. "He's a veteran guy that understands this point and time of the season, that's been there and done that," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. Giambi was cut by Oakland earlier this month after hitting .193 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. Although he has played all 1,933 games of his career for AL teams, Giambi has a .274 batting average with 44 homers and 137"
Giambi: Rockies seem a "good fit"
August 25
Denver Post
 
"A rusty Jason Giambi met new Sky Sox teammates Monday and flashed the power stroke that prompted the Rockies to sign him. The 38-year-old slugger isn't expected to play for Triple-A Colorado Springs until Wednesday, but he took batting practice on his first day in town. "I felt great," Giambi said. "I just need more game situations. I've been hitting off pitching machines." Sky Sox manager Stu Cole figures his newest player will DH against Salt Lake on Wednesday."
Rockies confirm Giambi wanted for run
August 24
MLB.com
 
"Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd's search for a left-handed bat in the season's final month drove him to pursue Jason Giambi, who is in the final stages of completing a Minor League deal with the Rockies."We've been looking for a left-handed bat to call up when rosters expand," O'Dowd said Sunday. "If Jason is healthy, he's coming."Giambi, 38, a former All-Star who was released by the Athletics on Aug. 7 after he slumped to .193 through 83 games, will play for Triple-A Colorado Springs to regain his swing, then join the Rockies when the roster expands to a limit of 40 on Sept. 1."This is a very good teammate, a guy who has been in the arena that we're in right now and gets that, which in"
Giambi leaves legacy behind in Oakland
August 8
MLB.com
 
"The Jason Giambi that played for the A's this season is not the one that Nomar Garciaparra will remember. "He could change a game," Garciaparra said on Friday after Giambi was unconditionally released by the A's in his second stint with the franchise. "He wasn't afraid to be the guy that took it all on his shoulders." But Giambi struggled this season as he returned to the franchise for which he starred from 1995-2001. He hit just .193 with 11 homers in 83 games and found himself on the disabled list in July. "We're at a point where we have a couple of first basemen, younger guys that we'd like to play," manager Bob Geren said, mentioning Tommy Everidge and Daric Barton, who is also on the"
A's part ways with Giambi
August 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"When Jason Giambi returned to the A's last winter, he and Oakland general manager Billy Beane spoke about "getting the band back together," and Beane said he felt as if he was marrying his ex-wife again. On Friday, the relationship ended for a second time when the A's gave Giambi his unconditional release. Beane said that the decision "was not something any of us envisioned" when the 2000 AL MVP signed with Oakland in January, but Beane cited the team's last-place standing, the need to find playing time for youngsters such as Tommy Everidge, and Giambi's performance as reasons for the decision. Giambi was batting a major-league low .193 when he went on the disabled list with a strained"
Failed Giambi experiment a caution to Beane
August 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Ray Rotto
"Sometimes a player release isn't conspiratorial, or based on personality conflicts, or some secret plan to make a team younger and cheaper. Sometimes it's about hitting .193, and slugging .364, and the .697 OPS, and the 40 RBIs as a cleanup hitter, and being 38, and being injured."
A's release Jason Giambi
August 8
Contra Costa Times
 
"First baseman Jason Giambi, whose swagger and power helped to turn around an A's franchise more than a decade ago, was released by the team Friday morning in another move designed to give younger players a chance for more playing time in the final seven-plus weeks of the season. Giambi, a 15-year veteran, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quad on July 20 but had not played since he became eligible to return on Tuesday, even though he said he felt physically fine. "It's difficult because Jason had a long, successful history here. He's somebody that everyone was very fond of. Not just as a player, but as a person," A's general manager Billy Beane said via"
Too much money -- not enough production
August 8
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Carl Steward
"JUST A few weeks ago, Jason Giambi spent $50,000 to buy his old Yankee Stadium locker. Now he has something to put in it - all his gear from his sad, short-lived return to Oakland. Of course, Giambi also could store the money the A's will continue to pay him even though he was waived Friday after just 83 games in an Oakland uniform, during which he hit .193. Giambi still will get the $4 million he was signed for this year, plus another $1.25 million for the buyout of his option next year. While he surely was disappointed to get his walking papers, he won't be too put out for buying that locker. But the A's might be feeling the pinch for what now can be regarded as a very expensive mistake"
A's release Jason Giambi
August 7
Contra Costa Times
 
"First baseman Jason Giambi, whose swagger and power helped to turn around an A's franchise more than a decade ago, was released by the team Friday morning in another move designed to give younger players a chance for more playing time in the final seven-plus weeks of the season. Giambi, a 15-year veteran, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quad on July 20 but had not played since he became eligible to return on Tuesday, even though he said he felt physically fine. The A's already have several infielders capable of playing first base and Giambi, with a .193 batting average, was likely going to find it difficult to get playing time. The team will likely give Tommy"
A's release Giambi
August 7
MLB.com
 
"Jason Giambi, who struggled through a half-season return to Oakland prior to landing on the disabled list in late July, was unconditionally released on Friday by the Athletics. Giambi, 38, had been on the team's DL with a strained right quad since July 20. Prior to that, he hit 11 home runs and drove in 40 runs, but batted only .193 in 83 games. It was not the type of homecoming season the A's anticipated when they re-signed the power-hitting face of their franchise from 1995-2001, after which the left-handed-hitting first baseman signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees."
Giambi, and .193 average, on DL
July 21
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's placed first baseman Jason Giambi on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a strained right quadriceps, adding to what's been a frustrating season for the veteran slugger. Giambi has battled sore legs all season, but he's played the majority of innings at first base even as his average has plummeted to .193, lowest in the major leagues among everyday players. He wasn't available to reporters Monday. But general manager Billy Beane and manager Bob Geren indicated the quad injury has accumulated over time. The A's recalled Daric Barton from Triple-A Sacramento for his second stint with Oakland this season. Barton started at first base Monday against Minnesota. "He's had some nicks and"
Giambi, Cust bust out
July 2
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Two of Oakland's slumpingest players drove balls out of the Coliseum on Wednesday, and they did it against one of the league's top pitchers. Jason Giambi, who entered the day with a league-low .197 average, whacked his 407th career homer, tying him with Hall of Famer Duke Snider on the all-time list. And Jack Cust, pushed down in the order because of a recent slump, also hit a two-run homer off Justin Verlander in Oakland's 5-1 victory over Detroit. Though the A's have lost six of their past eight and 14 of 21, they still took the series from the AL Central-leading Tigers. Giambi had struck out in his first two at-bats Wednesday against Verlander, and his third time up, with no outs, he"
Mates adopt Giambi's pregame yams diet
June 11
Contra Costa Times
 
"The story went that Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs was fanatical about eating chicken before every game. A's first baseman Jason Giambi has his own pregame dietary ritual: yams. Or sweet potatoes, if yams aren't available. They look similar, taste similar and serve a similar function as an energy provider. They've been a staple of Giambi's diet since spring training of last season, when he saw then-Yankees teammate Alex Rodriguez munching on them. "A-Rod's really dedicated about how he eats," Giambi explained. "I felt like one aspect of my playing that I could really clean up was eating well. (Rodriguez) would always eat sweet potatoes before the game because it not only fuels you"
Giambi's juice too little, too late for A's
May 10
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's 6-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday might go down as the game where Jason Giambi began turning things around at the plate. For his part, Giambi had this to say after notching the 38th multihomer game of his career: "I would have traded them in for a win. We've got to get over the hump and start playing some better baseball, and not wait until the end." True, it was the typical team-first stuff you often hear from a player who has a big day in defeat. But Giambi's words were on target. After showing signs of busting out offensively in wins Thursday and Friday, the A's were held to three hits and one run over the first eight innings Saturday before they sprung to life."
Giambino Returns To The Bronx With His 'Stache
April 20
New York Post
 
"He is big, he is strong, he is . . . The Giambino! And he's back! Jason Giambi will return to The Bronx today as a member of the Athletics to begin a three-game series with the Yankees. Giambi is back with his original club after spending the past seven seasons in pinstripes. As a Yankee, Giambi experienced the highest of highs (hitting two home runs in a Game 7 victory over the Red Sox in the 2003 ALCS) and the lowest of lows (admitting use of illegal performance enhancing drugs). Derek Jeter predicted the crowd will give Giambi a warmer reception than it gave Carl "The Punchline" Pavano yesterday. "He'll get a good one, I'm sure," said Jeter, who smiled when reminded of Giambi's return."
Giambi's tank already is running near empty
April 12
Oakland Tribune
 
"After seven innings against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, Jason Giambi had to tell A's manager Bob Geren his tank was running on empty. Giambi, 38, already had legged out an infield single and sprinted after a foul ball that landed just out of his sliding reach. "I told Bobby, '(The legs) are dead'," Giambi said. In the A's home-opener on Friday night, Giambi ran all the way to third after he hit a slow ground ball to pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith, whose errant throw went past first base and down the right field line. "This is way too much running for me," Giambi said. "This is a little out of control for me. This is way too much running this early in the year." Giambi's infield single"
Will fans give A's Giambi homecoming welcome?
April 6
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Joe Stiglich
"You can speculate on how many homers Jason Giambi might swat for the A's or ponder the impact that his leadership will have in the clubhouse. But as the A's christen their 2009 season Monday night at Angel Stadium, there's another question that cuts to the heart of Giambi's return to green and gold. Will the A's faithful rekindle their love affair with their former favorite son? "I hope so," Giambi said with a chuckle last week. Giambi is, by nature, one of the game's most likeable players. He's friendly and accomodating with the media, and generous with the time he's donated to charitable causes over his career. But his defection to the New York Yankees following the 2001 season stirred a"
Together again: Giambi, Chavez talking baseball
April 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With Opening Night drawing near, The Chronicle sat down with third baseman Eric Chavez, the longest tenured A's player, and the team's returning first baseman, Jason Giambi. Among other things, the two old friends and teammates talked about playing together again after seven years apart, the upcoming season and knuckle balls. Q: When did you both have an idea Jason would be coming back this way? Eric Chavez: Actually, the year before I heard something, someone threw the idea out there. Jason Giambi: He missed me (laughs). ... and he said, 'You know what, I need you back.' That's why I made my decision. EC: Anytime anything is talked about in Oakland, it kind of doesn't happen. We started"