As the Yankees have struggled to a .500 record in the early going, the focus on how to "fix" the team has focused on the pitching staff. . . . Yet the offense has also been a disappointment, and it's something that the Yankees can improve far more easily than they can the pitching, starting by benching, trading, or releasing Jason Giambi.
It is far simpler for the Yankees to do what they can to improve the offense than it will be for them to force the pitching staff to take a leap forward into maturity and consistency. The latter is a function of time and experience, the former a function of knowing when to stop forcing a bad hand. In this analogy, Giambi is the equivalent of trying to win with a pair of deuces.
Getting rid of Giambi is, on one level, simple. He is in the final year of his contract. The Yankees have the option of retaining him in 2009 for the low price of $22 million, something that was unlikely even seven years ago, or paying him $5 million to go away. Since they are on the hook for this year's salary and the buyout regardless of whether Giambi plays for them or not, he might as well not play for them. Getting rid of Giambi for some kind of value is more problematic. The Yankees would have to find a trading partner that was (1) in need of a poor defensive first baseman or DH, (2) had some high-salaried object of their own they were eager to be rid of, (3) believed that Giambi's bat could be revived with a change of scenery, and (4) was amenable to Giambi, since he has a full no-trade clause. Even then, the Yankees would have to kick in the cash difference between the two contracts, plus the buyout money. That this combination of factors would roll up all at once seems so unlikely that proposing any trade scenario would be an act of purist fantasy; hence an outright release seems the most likely path to a Giambifree world.
I agree with Goldman, and Giambi doesn't only hurt the team offensively, but defensively as well. That said, I'd be willing to give Giambi another week or so to get his offense going, if he's still hitting like he is right now (which is likely) the Yankees should seriously consider cutting, trading, or benching him.
11 Comments:
The Yanks will probably bench him before cutting him loose. Then Giambi will probably feel pissed being benched and express his displeasure. Then the Yanks can dump him for his ridiculous performance and comments. Sounds just like what Jays did to Thomas.
They should try to send him down to AAA, let him know this is serious, if he doesnt hit they'll cut him. If he comes back up and starts hitting like crap again, cut him. My guess is that they'll keep him, but I'm praying they get rid of him. There are better options.
Not a bad idea crazyyankeefan.
Dan, I'd love to see them send him down, but remember what happened last time they tried that a few years ago? He wouldn't go, and he'd probably object now as well.
I agree with you that they'll probably end up keeping him, which like you said would be a mistake as there are better options, include Mr. Shelley Duncan who is tearing up AAA right now.
Thank You Steve Goldman!
Now if only the Yankees would listen. This bum has to go!
Giambi has no confidence left, he was only ever good due to 'Roids and now that he's off them and aging he's worthless. He sucks, and we're never gonna win with him in our lineup for a majority of games. Yankees need to stand clear from guys like him. You are going to win with 5 DH's in a lineup, you win with one DH.
I'm a big Shelley guy and would love to see him in the majors, but I wouldn't exactly say he is tearing up AAA. He started off red hot, but is 2-22 in his last 7 games. Still, with that said, I think he should be with the big club.
what i don't understand with giambi is that he spent all spring hitting to left field. that's all i heard about. but, since day one of the season, all he does is pull the ball. what happened to hitting to left (other than that bloop double against the red sox)?
jmiller11,
I agree completely.
anonymous,
you're right, I forgot/ignored his recent struggles in AAA, but like you said he should be with the big club.
brxbmrzfan,
I know, and what really bothers me is the same exact thing happened last year. I don't get it at all.
As much as everyone likes Shelly along with you, the bottom line is that he's nt the type of player that is going to help this ball club.
If he can hit, he will help.
Who would you suggest they play at first?
give giambi another chance, yeah, could he play better? sure........
but you know what? sometimes people
have bad times...... what the yankees should do is, tell em' "hey jason, get your (expletive) together or we're gonna have some problems, we'll give you $22 Mil....you can stay,
but if you start hittin' bombs again we'll give you X. if not, then you'll be one of the lowest payed in the mlb."
i mean, it's not like he doesn't do anything, he still comes through
when they need it.
peace..........
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