Jason Giambi Signs Minor League Contract With Cleveland Indians

Jason Giambi has signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. The deal provides Giambi with a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.

Over the last four seasons, Giambi has played for the Colorado Rockies as a part-time player and pinch hitter.

During 60 game appearances last season, Giambi hit .225 with a single homerun, 4 2B, and 20 walks. Giambi’s season was cut short following a hernia to his right groin.

Should Giambi be offered a roster spot with the Indians, it would be his first time playing in the American League since 2009.

While Giambi is a five time MLB all-star, he has not played in an all-star game since 2004. Jason has not won an MVP award since 2000.

The biggest draw for the Indians may be Giambi’s veteran experience. Jason has played in the Bigs for 18 years and is eighth among all active players with 429 home runs and a career average of .280.

Giambi has also had his share of setbacks, including being named in the Mitchell Report, Major League Baseball’s formal investigation into steroid use among Major League players.

The MLB veteran was still been sought after by the Colorado Rockies; however, the team hoped he would retire from playing and take up the role of hitting coach.

Should Jason Giambi prove to still be a successful hitter, he could sneak onto the Cleveland Indians roster as a pinch hitter. Giambi’s position would guarantee him $750,000 for the 2013 season.

Do you think Jason Giambi can still be a productive member of an MLB hitting staff?