A's and Giambi to Discuss Contract

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 19, 2008 10:36 PM EST

The A's are poised to begin talks with free-agent designated hitter Jason Giambi, who was named the American League MVP while playing in Oakland in 2001. General manager Billy Beane chatted with Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, this week, and the sides could begin discussing a contract early next week. According to sources close to Giambi, he is looking for a three-year deal, but Oakland is not likely to offer more than two years and perhaps an option. Giambi will turn 38 in January.

SF Gate (H/T Athletics Nation)

The Rays top option appears to Milton Bradley, with others like Pat Burrell, Jason Giambi, and Bobby Abreu close behind. A sticking point with Giambi is the longevity of the contract, and we'll see if those demands alter with the Athletics, otherwise Giambi's not going to have much of a choice in the matter.

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The good news is that it seems like a lock that we will get either giambi, burrell, bradley, or abreu.

by walkoffwalk on Dec 20, 2008 12:21 AM EST reply actions

We'll see how Giambi sets the market

Bradley might not necessarily get more, but Giambi should be cheaper than Abreu and Burrell, based on their perceived markets.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 1:06 AM EST up reply actions

It would be nice

for us to set the market with a player of our choice, rather than waiting for what is left.

If the Rays really want Bradley, then over pay for him a bit

In other news the Indians have the inside track on Nelaon, whom they’ve offered a contract to

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 8:27 AM EST up reply actions

A couple things

for us to set the market with a player of our choice, rather than waiting for what is left.

I wouldn’t mind this if the Rays see a perceiveable advantage to one of the players over the others, but I don’t want them to do this:

If the Rays really want Bradley, then over pay for him a bit

That’s what gets you in trouble. I don’t think they will bring anyone in just for the sake of doing it. I think they’ll address the need with the player the provides the greatest benefit per cost.

by rglass44 on Dec 20, 2008 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

I don't mean 'break the bank'

but sometimes ‘money talks, BS walks’

It also shows other FA that your team will spend on the right player

Having said that, i’m very apprehensive of Bradley

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

Why?

The injuries are a legitimate risk, the “OMG HE’S INSANE” talk is pretty weak.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

One MLB manager

saying it i could understand, but CLE, LAD, SDP and OAK ALL had problems?

C’mon RJ if it walks like a, talks like a…

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 12:33 PM EST up reply actions

San Diego didn't have problems.

People mature, it’s not an outlandish concept.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Put his locker next to

Bossman Jr., that should work well

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

Like when Upton yelled at Delmon for being a dumbass, right?

Making assumptions about people you don’t know is dumb. I

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

I will say this about where Bradley goes

If he goes to CHC and plays for Pinella, it will save on the fireworks display at Wrigley

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

It all adds up

Never stays healthy, inconsistent performance, bit of a loose cannon, flares up once every few years….

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

I disagree.

Let’s pretend all four guys are very similar talent level, rightly valued at $10MM per season. Now let’s say Bradley is the best option, by a small margin, say half a win, and you want to lock him up for $12MM per year (and he’s worth that). Now, whichever player falls through the cracks (for whatever reason other teams don’t like them), might sign for $8MM. Is it worth paying $12MM for a half-win upgrade over an $8MM player? No way. Take that $4MM and buy a full win with a reliever. Or spend it to extend arb-eligible players and buy two full wins.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Dec 20, 2008 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

You're missing part of the equation

Which is that you might end up with nobody if you don’t pay the premium.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

Are we worried that there aren't enough big-bat, no-field options to go around?

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Dec 21, 2008 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

The A's don't need Giambi.

WTF Beane.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Dec 20, 2008 10:57 AM EST reply actions

Hinestly, i'm more concerned

about the bullpen then a DH

We need to not only upgrade it, but who is our closer WHEN Percy goes down?

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 12:47 PM EST reply actions

*honestly

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully nobody.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

You're not thinking realistically.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

Okay, fine. Hopefully not our best relievers.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

There are four guys in the bullpen who are better than Percy anyway

And we’ll probably have pitchers waiting in Durham who are better than Percy (i.e. Salas). When he goes down, if one of them replaces him, then think of it as a blessing.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Percy is already the Rays worst reliever.

assuming Hammel is gone.

Replacing him isn’t an issue.

Raymond could probably pitch better.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Dec 20, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Derek Rodriguez will replace him

for most of the season, while Percy is on the DL and Niemann will replace Hammel

Rodriguez
Niemann
FA Signing
Bradford
Wheeler
Howell
Balfour

Works for me. I hope we are in Nelson’s fav 4

by joeybw on Dec 20, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

Indians made an offer to Nelson, btw.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Dec 20, 2008 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

I think they should go ahead and trade us Rafael Perez

Just to be nice and all.

by joeybw on Dec 20, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

They have a Rafy up for trade

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

Who's our DH right now? Pretty weak, right?

And I’m more concerned with Percy seeing important innings than Percy going down.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Dec 20, 2008 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

The more I think about it, the more I want Abreu

He’s extremely durable, he still has good wheels, he hits lefties and righties, and is extremely consistent. He is the best option out there. As the price goes down, a 2 year 16 mil deal would be a steal for a career #3 hitter.

This can happen if the Angels resign Texiera and Ramirez goes back to LA and the Cubs sign Bradley. And this would be the best option for the Rays.

by raysfaninminnesota on Dec 20, 2008 2:12 PM EST reply actions

Do it Cubs, Do it NOW

According to David Kaplan of WGN Radio and Comcast SportsNet, Adam Dunn’s first choice is to play for the Cubs. He’s not looking for a huge deal, but a fair one. The concern, of course, would be having Dunn play right field on a regular basis.

A source familiar with the team’s thinking told MLBTR the Cubs have “exchanged pleasantries” with Dunn’s agents, nothing more. It’s been suggested that Milton Bradley is the Cubs’ first choice.

Come on Cubs, he will hit a lot of homers, who cares bout D. Soriano and Dunn as best corner OF’s ever! Then please give me Bradley.

by joeybw on Dec 20, 2008 4:18 PM EST reply actions

You're not a Dunn fan?

I just hate those annual 40 HR and 900 OPS

by Raymondo on Dec 20, 2008 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

I am fine with Dunn

Bradley is #1 on my list so I want him more. If Bradley goes to the Cubs then Dunn, Giambi, Burrell, and Abreu are all good fits.

by joeybw on Dec 20, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

Rate stats are useless when comparing the three

One is very durable, one misses about 20 games a year, and one misses about 45 games a year.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 10:00 PM EST up reply actions

Or at least useless without also presenting aggregate numbers

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 10:00 PM EST up reply actions

I really don't care who the Rays' DH is at this point.

I actually WANT Dunn.

The Cubs need to hurry up and sign SOMEBODY, so prices can start dropping for everyone who’s left. Once the Cubs are out of the bidding, prices start slipping.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Dec 20, 2008 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

the thing is

We keep hearing the same names and never Dunn. I don’t know if he wants too much for the Rays or we just aren’t interested but the Rays are never mentioned in teams interested in Dunn.

by joeybw on Dec 20, 2008 4:32 PM EST up reply actions