While we all wait for Mark Teixeira to pick a destination, it seems that the Juan Rivera signing may have had a little impact on the Rays. After learning about Rivera's re-signing, the Reds have now zeroed in on Rocco Baldelli, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Willy Taveras. From Cincinnati.com
The Reds quest for a right-handed-hitting outfielder is now centered on Jerry Hairston Jr., Rocco Baldelli and Willy Taveras.
The Reds have an offer out to Hairston. They remain interested in Baldelli. A new report on Baldelli's mysterious ailment came out Wednesday. It makes him a much more attractive option for the Reds. He could play center or left. He's a middle-of-the-order bat when healthy.
Also Ken Rosenthal gives his guesses on where the 11 biggest remaining free agents will land. He has Bradley to the Cubs, Burrell to the Mets, Abreu to the A's, Dunn to the Nats and.....
Giambi had moments last season (mainly before the break) where he looked to be recapturing his early 2000s form. But he leveled off and put up a respectable line of .246-32-96. He's got appeal to AL teams seeking a solid power bat at DH. He'll be 38 this season, so long-term expectations have to be tempered.
Rosenthal's likely destination: Rays.
Personally, I have Giambi third on my wish list behind Bradley and Burrell, but in no way would I be disappointed in a DH with a career slash line of .286/.408/.534.