Jason Giambi

[PKBadger]

Recently read a post on MLB Trade Rumors about how the Phillies were close to landing Giambi before he got injured, and how they may pursue him in August as a waiver deal. However, since Philly is lowest priority in waivers as they have the best record in the NL, I'm wondering if you all think he is worth putting in a claim.

 

Obviously, he's not stealing any starts from Fielder. But I am a big believer in having a guy on the bench who is a threat to homer at any time. Giambi certainly fits the bill.

 

Here's how I would ideally set a playoff bench:

 

- A defensive stud OF (Gomez - get well soon)

- A versatile IF/OF who can hit (Hairston, Jr.)

- A backup C (Kottaras)

- A veteran "singles hitter" with patient approach (Kotsay - listen, I don't like him very much either, but management does and he's not getting DFA'd so just deal with it)

- A power threat who can hit the ball out of the park at any moment (Giambi)

- Other guy (Counsell/Lopez/Wilson - we all know Craig has the lead in the race because of his local ties and history as a "gamer").

 

This is based on them going with a 14 player/11 pitcher alignment since the 5-man rotation wouldn't be necessary.

[brettac1]

I'd be all for it. Need as many guys on the bench as possible who will give a good AB every time.

[kramnoj]

It's an interesting idea. One possible problem is that while your idea works in September and could work in the playoffs, it also has to work in August, for at least some period of time.

 

Now, that may be doable. With Hairston being a Swiss Army Knife, there may not be as much of a need for both Counsell and Wilson on the bench.

 

I haven't thought this fully through, but if Wilson were to be DFA'ed for Giambi, and then Weeks would hopefully be back before September, the Brewers face another decision. I suppose at that time, the Brewers could cut Kotsay loose, if needed.

[PKBadger]

It's an interesting idea. One possible problem is that while your idea works in September and could work in the playoffs, it also has to work in August, for at least some period of time.

 

Now, that may be doable. With Hairston being a Swiss Army Knife, there may not be as much of a need for both Counsell and Wilson on the bench.

 

I haven't thought this fully through, but if Wilson were to be DFA'ed for Giambi, and then Weeks would hopefully be back before September, the Brewers face another decision. I suppose at that time, the Brewers could cut Kotsay loose, if needed.

 

I'm pretty sure that all we'd need to do is DFA Wilson and add Giambi. In order to be eligible for the postseason, you have to be on the 25-man roster as of 8/31 or on the DL. Since Weeks and Gomez should still be on the DL at that time, we really have 27 men who could be considered. When Weeks and Gomez are ready to play in September, rosters will have already expanded and they can join the team for the remainder of the regular season with no accompanying move.

[Invader3K]

I'd love to have a Giambi or Thome type player on the bench right now. It would be great to have a power bat to turn to in close games who is almost guaranteed to work a good AB every time and provide the threat of a home run.

 

Counsell is so obvious as a replacement candidate with the additions of Lopez and Hairston, but I think Melvin is too enamored with him to ever DFA him or talk him into early retirement.

[kramnoj]

In order to be eligible for the postseason, you have to be on the 25-man roster as of 8/31 or on the DL. Since Weeks and Gomez should still be on the DL at that time, we really have 27 men who could be considered.

 

As I said, part of it depends on when Weeks returns. I don't like to think that weeks "should" be on the DL until September, I think it's possible he will be back before then.

[The Truth]

There aren't enough words in the English language to describe how much I do not want Giambi to be a Brewer

 

I suppose I am extremely jaded by Giambi being a juicer or former juicer or whatever. And a former Yankee juicer. I know, its not logical

[PKBadger]

In order to be eligible for the postseason, you have to be on the 25-man roster as of 8/31 or on the DL. Since Weeks and Gomez should still be on the DL at that time, we really have 27 men who could be considered.

 

As I said, part of it depends on when Weeks returns. I don't like to think that weeks "should" be on the DL until September, I think it's possible he will be back before then.

You're absolutely right...I'm assuming that the rehab will be closer to 6 weeks. Hope for the best.

[yoshii8]

I think Giambi would be a great replacement for Wilson or Counsell. He has hit very well this season, it would be great to have a bat like that to DH and come off the bench in the playoffs.