More Good News On Giambi & Bradley

by Tommy Rancel on Nov 26, 2008 1:12 PM EST

Piggy-backing off of RJ's post about the A's possibly being out on Giambi, Jerry Crasnick lists Giambi as a potential bargain FA signing.

Oakland and Toronto have been mentioned as possible destinations for Giambi, but they're in no rush to do anything. The Athletics have a cheaper version of Giambi in Jack Cust, and the Blue Jays would be content to go with youngsters Adam Lind and Travis Snider as part of their outfield-DH arrangement. General manager J.P. Ricciardi recently shot down rumors of the team's interest in both Giambi and Milton Bradley.

Giambi's biggest obstacle is the presence of so many veteran lefty bats -- Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu, to name three -- with more of an all-around game to offer. That spells a possible one-year deal, or maybe a year and an option, and a nice pickup for a club with a void in the middle of its order.

Two things I like about this:

First,

That spells a possible one-year deal, or maybe a year and an option, and a nice pickup for a club with a void in the middle of its order.

Sounds perfect for the Rays.

and Second,

General manager J.P. Ricciardi recently shot down rumors of the team's interest in both Giambi and Milton Bradley.

That is just excellent news. I figured the Jays would have a good shot at Bradley if they really wanted him.

Crasnick goes on to name Rocco Baldelli as a bargain and also Juan Rivera, but mentions Rivera would probably sign for 2 years $6-8 million. That doesn't seem like much of a bargain to me.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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DO IT!!!!

by rglass44 on Nov 26, 2008 1:16 PM EST reply actions

Can we get a mustache?

by Tommy Rancel on Nov 26, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions

not a good one from me.

I’ll try, though, and if it turns out ok, I’ll post it.

by rglass44 on Nov 26, 2008 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

......

by rglass44 on Nov 26, 2008 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Giambi needs to grow his hair out again like he did in Oakland

by Erik Hahmann on Nov 26, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply actions

I still want Bradley more

I know, I know, injury problems but he is younger, hits lefties(I think) and makes much more contact than just HR’s than Giambi

I will be happy with either one and I just want Aybar to learn RF.

by joeybw on Nov 26, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply actions

I'd probably prefer him, too. The issue is cost and this....

by rglass44 on Nov 26, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

Giambi hits lefties just fine

.840 OPS against lefties last year, .854 for his career.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Nov 26, 2008 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

We will make a run at Giambi.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Nov 26, 2008 1:46 PM EST reply actions

Say it louder.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 26, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

And prouder.

by Tommy Rancel on Nov 26, 2008 2:03 PM EST up reply actions

WE WILL MAKE A RUN AT THE GIAMBINO!!!!!!!!

And it will be awesome.

I know that's a pisser, baby.

by Blicks on Nov 26, 2008 2:19 PM EST up reply actions

Plus

Im sure Knobbs is doing his best to convince him to come to Tampa Bay

http://www.bugsandcranks.com/tampa-bay-devil-rays/david-chalk/brian-knobbs-jason-giambi-whats-that-about/

by BossmanJunior333 on Nov 26, 2008 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

We should sign Goldberg to take Gomes' roster spot

That way we still have an enforcer who can’t hit over the Mendoza line.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Nov 26, 2008 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

I would be happy with either, but I feel they are going to sign different types of deals. Bradley, because of age, will likely sign a 3-4 deal worth around 10 million per, while Giambi will probably sign a 1-2 year deal in excess of 10 million. Im still not sure how exactly the market will determine whether they get these deals. Surely its more likely that a team takes a chance on Bradley playing the outfield than Giambi playing first base. Unlike Bradley, who is just an unjury risk, Giambi is just horrible with the glove. Like I said, I would be happy with either. I have a feeling though, with only 3 AL teams legitmately needing an everyday DH, Giambi really wont have much bargaining chips. Might be a steal.

by BossmanJunior333 on Nov 26, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions

Remember though

as it was mentioned in another post,

there are NL teams stupid enough to take a chance on Ibanez/Abreu/Dunn/Burrell for the OF. I’ve heard the Cubs alone tied to two of those, and then guys like the Braves, Mets, Phillies, Reds, even Giants could use that big bat. Minaya and Sabean are not smart. Jocketty is interesting, and the sample size on Wren is too small. Amaro has zero GM experience, and I’m not sold on his new staff.

I know that's a pisser, baby.

by Blicks on Nov 26, 2008 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

about Bradley at least. I feel like there is a much greater chance of a team giving Bradley a shot in the outfield than Giambi at first base.

by BossmanJunior333 on Nov 26, 2008 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

and neither are type-A free agents.

by walkoffwalk on Nov 26, 2008 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

How much would you give for Daric Barton in trade?

MLB post today said A’s are looking at Nick Johnson’s medical records – if they get him, no place for Barton, though he could be stashed in AAA I think. (HIs uncle is a friend).

While he struggled this year, his MInors and short period in majors in ‘07 suggest good things. Lefty, but possibly good pickup for DH, ultimate transition to 1B. Barton’s still only 23. And the A’s have Donaldson transitioning to 1B, though he could form a platoon with Barton. Might be a pipedream, but could be a good idea.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Nov 26, 2008 4:02 PM EST reply actions

Barton's pretty much untouchable.

If you really think Nick Johnson will make it through more than 100 games, you’re crazy. Barton will be seeing plenty of starts. Even if the A’s get Johnson, I don’t think he’ll be playing full time.

I just don’t see a match b/w Rays and A’s for Barton.

And, most of Barton’s value lays in his defense. He’s a really good defender. There’s no reason to trade for him just to DH him.

I know that's a pisser, baby.

by Blicks on Nov 26, 2008 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't say barton is untouchable,

by any stretch of the imagination. The A’s are run by Billy Beane.

That said, you’re right, the entire problem with barton is that he hasn’t been hitting. His fielding is supposedly among the top five in the league.

Space.

It's a problem we face.

So we never go anywhere.

We just stay in one place.

by hazel on Nov 30, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

OK. I'll take back the untouchable mantra, but I wouldn't consider him easy to pry away.

I know that's a pisser, baby.

by Blicks on Nov 26, 2008 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

Your info is faulty

The A’s aren’t moving Donaldson to first base— lord knows, they have plenty of first basemen in the system as is. He was just playing there in the AFL to save his legs and get some ABs.

Barton still has all three of his options, so there’s no impending problem there.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Nov 27, 2008 11:45 PM EST up reply actions