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Jason Giambi: Carrying the Hot Stick Washington DC – Jason Giambi is on fire as he hit two home runs, consecutively, against the Cleveland Indians Friday night, April 25th. See the home runs here...

Jason Giambi: A Force for the New York Yankees

by Patrick SJ Read (Senior Writer)

26

1,285 reads

Opinion

April 25, 2008


Jason Giambi:  Carrying the Hot Stick

 

Washington DC – Jason Giambi is on fire as he hit two home runs, consecutively, against the Cleveland Indians Friday night, April 25th.  See the home runs here.  Yet he gets no respect at all.  If he doesn’t hit .275 then it is reported that he stinks (regardless of injury), and isn’t worth the money.  If he does hit, then he should, because of the money. Why are so many obsessed with the Steinbrenner’s money anyhow?  Don’t they get their subsidy checks?  Regardless, what does Giambi bring to the plate?

 Runs, RBI and Home Runs is what he brings to the Yankee offense. This year, 24 games into the season, Giambi leads the Yankees in Home Runs, with two against the Red Sox, and two against the Indians in as many plate appearances.  Both teams were in the post season last year, and the Yankees lost to Cleveland. The offense was to blame, but Giambi, the most dangerous bat on the team, only got up 4 times in the whole series, and got 2 hits. 

The year before I watched as Giambi sat out against Detroit in a must win game 3.  He had received a cortisone shot the night prior, but told Torre he was ready to go.  After 6 innings of being shut out, there Giambi sat, as Sheffield played first.   Sportscasters, and some fans point to his average.   He didn't have a high average two years ago when he hit 253, yet he still finished 14th in MVP votes because of Run Production.  He is 11 for 59 right now, with 5 Home Runs (most on the team), scored 10 runs, and has 12 RBI. 

In comparison, Abreu has 2 less home runs, 9 more RBI, and has scored one more time than Giambi, but has also had 31 more plate appearances.  Everyone lushes over Abreu, and how good he is at the plate.  Maybe they mean that Bobby is good for the money he is paid.  Because his defense, accuracy and speed in the outfield is sorely lacking. 

Giambi is off to a slow start again this year, hitting 186, but leading the Yankees in Home Runs, amongst the top in runs scored and RBI.  Giambi, though, was moved from the 5 spot to hit 7th

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26 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Jack Peters about 1 year ago

    Giambi hits a few home runs and you proclaim him the next comeback kid... give me a break .... us real fans know the deal about Giambi... we wouldn't wish him on our worst enemy... then again boston you don't really need Youkillis at first do you? come on we will give you a washed up .. self proclaimed steroid user!

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      Jack,
      Comeback kid....great nickname! he was Named the Comeback PLayer of the Year in 2005. Is that the real giambi that youre talking about? Or is it the MVP candidate of 2006? He finished 14th, any REAL fan would know that. Injuries are Giambi's nemesis, and that is all. And he has been clean since 2003...when he was named by the FBI. I know, it stinks, huh? But keep claming the only honest one on the Yankees for now. As long as he keeps hitting it he will be "vendicated"

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  2. Nino Colla about 1 year ago

    I think any Major League player can hit the pitches Paul Byrd threw to Giambi tonight.

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      Hey Nino,
      Could Pavano have hit it out? Just kidding. He did take the first one out, and it was an outside pitch. The other night he bounced one off the wall. He isnt supposed to be able to do that. IF Gaimbi plays like I think he will (healthiest in awhile) the Yankees will blow it up in runs. They lead the league last year, imagine adding a healthy power hitter to the line up...with a permanent bat in his hands. He should never sit out. Especially in the post season!

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    • Nino Colla about 1 year ago

      Giambi is still a good hitter, even if he is a shell of his former-self. I'm just saying, don't use Paul Byrd as a measuring stick, he throws the Gopher ball and most of the time, it ain't pretty.

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  3. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    True. Though the first one Giambi hit was an outside pitch. He wasnt supposed to be bale to do that. The other night he hit one off the left field wall for a double. He isnt supposed to able to do that either.

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      April 26...Lost today. But the GIambi - A-Rod combo did well. With Giambi behind him A-Rod went 2 for 4, and Giambi got a walk. The two combined for 2 runs scored, of the 3. Georgie in the 8th spot came through. The 8th spot? I would have thought Posada is a 6. Oh well.
      Farns looked okay today for an inng. No runs. Ollie gave it up in the 9th. Albby (Albaldejo) is a 2.35 with 7.2 inngs pitched. He should get a chance to throw ONE inng tomorrow to see how he reacts to the pressure of one and done.
      Re Joba...The Yanks could just extend his inngs to 3 for a couple games in the Pen. Then to 4. If all is well, start him off at 4 or 5 inngs. Then the Yankees wouldnt have to worry about losing his arm to the minors, pitching to lesser hitters, and benefitting WSB. That is another way to transition him, while keeping him in the bigs.
      I loved seeing Shelley Duncan in RF! Speed, an arm, and a bat (though no hits, he did hit the ball hard). Abreu DH. As opposed to Damon. That is another improvement made.

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      how did byrd do last year in the post season? he was one of their stars. but, i agree, off speed pitchers aren't a way to judge Giambi. Give him a fast ball inside to see what he could do,

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  4. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA
    1705 5874 1048 1699 343 8 364 1183 16 .289

    can you believe that Giambi stole 16 bases??

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  5. Jack Peters about 1 year ago

    Patrick,

    I know I went overboard and I know all the facts about his career believe me including his awards which is why i said "comeback kid" sorry i just have a knee-jerk reaction when someone mentions Giambi as I'm a section 39 bleacher creature :)

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  6. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    tuche Jack. I go to left field, double deck. though one year i was in right, triple deck and almost caught one his fly balls. Just out of reach to the right. 2005 home game againt the mets. If Giambi does well, and with Joba starting (set up guy TBD) we should be fine. Great even. Re the knee kerk, in fairness Giambi has had legitimate injuries. IF he is healthy, given his playing time the last 2 seasons, he should be in every game. What kind of reaction do you get to Farnsworth? Or better yet, Pavano? Farns has falshes of greatness. Added some off speed tghis year too. I wish Ohlendorf would get a one inning shot (7th or 8rh). Or Albaladejo. Not Bruney, he is mid to long relief. Ya gotta take the positives out of a loss, and try to get better next time. Hence the positive article. All is well in Yankee Universe, we're just sorting out some galaxies is all.

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  7. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    April 26th, 08 - lost the game today...but....with giambi behind a-rod forcing strikes, A-Rod went 2 for 4. giambi and a-rod scored 2 of the 3 runs. one run each, with a giambi walk. that combo is the threat.
    Farns looked okay in the 8th. Ollie got rocked in the 9th, and took the loss increasing his ERA from 5.2. Albby (Albaladejoooo) is 2.35 in 7.2 inngs pitched. He may get a shot at the 7th or 8th next.
    Maybe extend Joba's inngs in the pen to 3 for a couple of games, then 4. If all is well, start him. Then the Yankees dont have toi worry about sending his arm down to the minors to pitch to lesser hitters. More to come. Giambi and A-Rod connection did well today. And Gerogie did it again. In the 8 spot though. As opposed to the 6 spot

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  8. Jack Peters about 1 year ago

    patrick i wrote a long response but it didnt go through i look forward to more of your articles though.. keep up the good work... your one of the respectful writers on here.

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  9. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    Hi Jack,
    That happens to me sometimes as well. Hence the two posts that are identical. When youre posting a good, long response; always highlight it, and copy it before uploading it. That way you can save what you wrote. Also, after slecting "Post Comment", wait a bit til the status bar says done. And then hit refresh on the url. That should help. Sometimes if a post is being uploaded simultaneously then one dumps. General Rule is to copy before hitting post comment. Then the pearls are saved for another attempt. Thanks Jack for the compliment. Civility is good. And all is well in Yankee Universe

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  10. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    It just happend to me on my initial response Jack! Ironic. I will try again.... Hi Jack,
    That happens to me sometimes as well. Hence the two posts that are identical. When youre posting a good, long response; always highlight it, and copy it before uploading it. That way you can save what you wrote. Also, after slecting "Post Comment", wait a bit til the status bar says done. And then hit refresh on the url. That should help. Sometimes if a post is being uploaded simultaneously then one dumps. General Rule is to copy before hitting post comment. Then the pearls are saved for another attempt. Thanks Jack for the compliment. Civility is good. And all is well in Yankee Universe

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  11. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    6th inning, giambi breaks open the flood gates with an rbi sacrifice. by the way, a-rod was hit right before. with bases loaded we started to score. giambi got the first run in.

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  12. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    6th inning, giambi breaks open the flood gates with an rbi sacrifice. by the way, a-rod was hit right before. with bases loaded we started to score. giambi got the first run in. against the indians, rubber game

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  13. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    giambi drove in (more like it) the first run, alex was hit by a pitch scoring one first. unreal, and against my philosphy. they did hit a-rod though. shocker. and giambu followed it by driving a sac rbi in. We won the game. Albby, to Farnsworth!! GREAT JOB TOO. Both one and done opprotunities too. Then to Joba (the Bridge) and to Mo. Smooth. No problems. Albby battled out of trouble fine. Keep the pitch low kid. Low - low. And fast too. Show it.

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  14. William Read about 1 year ago

    so much for on fire, batting .150 now, it must be a small fire.

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      Um, 1 for 3 with HR today, agasint the Tribe, up to 162, leads the team in HRs, amongst the top in RBi with a 736 OBP! Run factory in Ghiambino. oh, and career 972 OBP...and as almost the fewest at bats on the active roster. What does that tell you?

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      2 for 3 tonight, lost in extra inngs...and finally replaced Abreu in right in the 6th inng with Duncan.

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  15. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    correction...733 OPS, sluggin % with runners on...considering how many RISP the Yanks have stranded, this is an important ingredient he adds to the Yanks' mix

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  1. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    oh, and he is 2nd in RBI, one behind Abreu, with 38 less at bats now

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  2. Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

    Bang! Jason now leads the Yanks with HRs and is tied with Abreu with RBI, 3rd in Runs scored, 4th in walks....all with only 87 at bats, 8th fewest on the team...vs The Dealer Kenny Rodgers! Fri night. 5/9/08

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  3. William Read about 1 year ago

    can't be a hot stick at 181 and last in batting avg in the whole league. How many players are ahead of him?

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    • Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago

      How many have more at bats than him, try 7! and he is our HR leader, amongst the tops in rbi and runs...no wonder you hate him. Maybe his avg would be better if he got a chance at the plate more often. I certainly took no shots at Poopi when he was down, good to see that Red Sox Fan style class shining through the red colored shades

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