Yankees Spring Training- Giambi impresses Girardi

[Tyler Durden]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

Giambi impresses Girardi

February 26

The Yankees avoided the rain in the area and got their workout in. It was a standard spring training day: they worked on two fields on relays and cutoffs, did some individual defensive drills and finished off with batting practice.

Watched Jason Giambi hit and he was going the other way or up the middle with everything. Joe Girardi said he has been impressed with how good Giambi has looked this spring. As he said, if Giambi proves he can play first base it gives the Yankees a lot more flexibility in terms of their roster and their lineup.

But with the Big G, it’s always about whether he can stay healthy and none of us can predict that with any degree of certainty. But he sure looked good on Feb. 26.

The Big G gets his work in

February 26

Joe Girardi, it would seem, is the greatest motivator since George S. Patton. What else could explain Jason Giambi?

The clubhouse opened at 9:10 a.m. this morning. A few minutes after the writers were allowed in, in came Giambi - in full uniform and carrying his glove. The Big G showed up early and was on the field doing some work at first base.

Further, Giambi had cut his hair short.

“I’m such a loser,” he said. “I was in bed early last night, too.”

[Jets Voice of Reason]

"Watched Jason Giambi hit and he was going the other way or up the middle with everything. Joe Girardi said he has been impressed with how good Giambi has looked this spring. As he said, if Giambi proves he can play first base it gives the Yankees a lot more flexibility in terms of their roster and their lineup."

I smell contract year...

And i'm sorry, but that POS couldn't learn how to hit up the middle or to the left before this year?

[JetPotato]

It's amazing how much harder some guys work when they're in the walk year of their contract

[JetPotato]

Originally Posted by Jets Voice of Reason

And i'm sorry, but that POS couldn't learn how to hit up the middle or to the left before this year?

When healthy (with the A's), Giambi hit the ball all over the field.

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by Guido Monzino

When healthy (with the A's), Giambi hit the ball all over the field.

QFT

[Jets Voice of Reason]

Originally Posted by Guido Monzino

When healthy (with the A's), Giambi hit the ball all over the field.

I meant with the Yankees where he became dead pull.

[JeffWeaverFan]

Originally Posted by Jets Voice of Reason

I meant with the Yankees where he became dead pull.

To be fair, he tried to go the other way a lot back in 2005 and it just didn't work. Then he went back to pulling everything and got hot. You got to do what is comfortable, and if he's hitting .250 with a near .400 OBP and a near .500 SLG, I don't really care if he's pulling everything or going the other way.

[DevsJetsYanks88]

I can't believe how many of these players are coming back in much better shape. I think in Giambi's case it's about him being in his contract year, but it's still good to hear.

[chad101]

No way a healthy Giambi sits for the pedestrians alternatives at 1B the Yanks are looking at. Matsui's health if not 100% yet may give the Duncan's, Ensberg's and Betemit's playing time.

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by chad101

No way a healthy Giambi sits for the pedestrians alternatives at 1B the Yanks are looking at. Matsui's health if not 100% yet may give the Duncan's, Ensberg's and Betemit's playing time.

I expect the lineup to look like this on Opening Day

1. Johnny Damon LF
2. Derek Jeter SS
3. Bobby Abreu RF
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Hideki Matsui DH
6. Jorge Posada C
7. Jason Giambi 1B
8. Robinson Cano 2B
9. Melky Cabrera CF

[chad101]

Originally Posted by Sean Ryan

I expect the lineup to look like this on Opening Day

1. Johnny Damon LF
2. Derek Jeter SS
3. Bobby Abreu RF
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Hideki Matsui DH
6. Jorge Posada C
7. Jason Giambi 1B
8. Robinson Cano 2B
9. Melky Cabrera CF

Ahh, you've come around on Jason. I agree and that is some line-up.

Also on giving Jason Lane, Betemit and Ensberg more thought, one of those guys could really help if given 500 AB's out of neccessity. Not sure which one as they've been so inconsistent.

Also think Abreu has a monster year.

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by chad101

Ahh, you've come around on Jason. I agree and that is some line-up.

Also on giving Jason Lane, Betemit and Ensberg more thought, one of those guys could really help if given 500 AB's out of neccessity. Not sure which one as they've been so inconsistent.

Also think Abreu has a monster year.

No, I can't stand him. Unless he actually does change his ways that won't change. Reports from camp are encouraging, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I just think this what the lineup is going be....

[chad101]

Originally Posted by Sean Ryan

No, I can't stand him. Unless he actually does change his ways that won't change. Reports from camp are encouraging, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I just think this what the lineup is going be....

OK just last time we discussed you claimed he was strictly DH .

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by chad101

OK just last time we discussed you claimed he was strictly DH .

Yeah, well I can't see either him or Matsui riding the pine. Both have to get there at bats.

[Tyler Durden]

Originally Posted by chad101

Also on giving Jason Lane, Betemit and Ensberg more thought, one of those guys could really help if given 500 AB's out of neccessity. Not sure which one as they've been so inconsistent.

Also think Abreu has a monster year.

I doubt Lane makes the team. Ensburg could be the right hander off the bench, along with Duncan. Betemit can play anywhere in the infield so he's a sure bet to make the club.

[AJGunns]

Let the Giambino play first. He is a better hitter as a 1B than as a DH.