Last season at McAfee I made a few new friends in pinstripes as I repeatedly yelled "I WAS WRONG TO DO THAT STUFF!" when Giambi took the plate; mimicking his near-confession to steroid allegations in front of a judgemental sporting press earlier that year. Fans in the know recall him swimming in tearful remorse as his conscience publicly sputtered to a gaffe. And although he never said the word, everyone knew what he meant: he was juicing, and he was sorry.
The humiliation of it all was a special reward for A's fans with a chip on their shoulder. Most of us still hold a grudge against the guy who won the MVP for Oakland in 2000 and signed with the Yankees 1 year later. In typical fashion, Giambi was swept away by New York's deep pockets and navy-blue mystique. He sealed a $100MM deal by cutting his long hair, shaving his goatee, and trading in his west coast bad-boy look for a more presentable Manhattan manner. He was one of the first and certainly most notable free agent (read: sell-out) departures, and A's fans still hate him for it.
So how do I feel about the fact that he will likely sign a 2 year deal with Oakland? I'm juiced (pun intended). Giambi is a career .289 hitter and once did great things for the A's. There are, however, pros and cons. Like any 38 year old (who is recently off the juice) his performance has declined. But in all fairness, that's exactly why the A's can afford him. Giambi will hit his 400th home run next season, and how fitting would it be for him to do it in Green and Gold?
The 2-time Silver Slugger would bring power to a lineup that desperately needs it. He could play first base, keeping Jack Cust at DH (and relieved of defensive responsibilities in the outfield) and will likely knock in 20+ homers. Like it or not, he is a big name lightning rod that will at least earn some attention and hopefully contribute some regular offense. For a team that ranked second to last in RBIs in 2008, his contribution would be valuable.
The drawbacks are less tangible: he is unliked... he is old... he is expensive (as he will want a 2 year commitment)... and most of all, his game may be on the end of its rope. All of these are potential red flags. Old guy sluggers are always a risky move, but one the A's have recently seemed willing to take. Betting on Frank Thomas paid off in 2006, but not so much last year. Piazza was a total flop. What's to say that Giambi will continue to perform at a time when most power hitters either die quietly or defy nature and keep slugging? Nothing. There are no guarantees with this kind of contract, and lack of security is this contract's biggest downside.
But market conditions are what they are. The A's don't have the resources to sign Mark Teixiera... It's just the reality of the situation. The most feasible offensive acquisition right now is Jason Giambi. Pros and cons considered, it's a good move for the A's. I think he has at least 2 good years left in him, and I'd like to see him spend those in Oakland. After all, I'm more of an A's lover than a Giambi hater. Plus, he made an easy business decision to join the Yankees. Money talks, and he is certainly not the only guy to outgrow his contract with the A's.
So for what it's worth, Jason: I forgive you... provided you: a) sign with us. b) sign with us at a reasonable sum, in a reasonable amount of time. c) hit at least .275 for the season. d) smash at least one walkoff against Jonathan Papelbon to deep right field and/or issue defamatory statements towards former Yankee teammates or management. That's it. Otherwise, welcome home champ.
-J
Circa 2001:
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