Long On Giambi

Via Tyler Kepner -

“He’s not as good at D.H.,” Long said. “His numbers just aren’t there. I think it’s very important to us as a club and him as an individual if he’s out in the field.”

Giambi said he did not lose much weight over the winter, but distributed it better throughout his body. Long said that has strengthened Giambi’s core muscles, which could speed up a bat that has one more chance to help the Yankees win it all.

“I know it’s not the games yet, but it all starts with how he’s going about his business and the mechanics of his swing,” Long said. “I’m telling you right now, I’ve seen Jason for three years and this is the best I’ve ever seen his swing. That’s exciting.”

At best, I see Giambi hitting 23 homers this season with 70 RBI - at the best. And, it will probably be lower than that. If he does better than my prediction, I’ll post a picture (in this blog) of myself, this October, holding up a sign that reads “I refused to get excited about what Kevin Long said about Jason Giambi back in February and now I hang my head in shame.”

File this one under: “At the least, I don’t steal forks from restaurants.”

February 26, 2008 | Filed Under Trap Door Items

Comments

3 Responses to “Long On Giambi”

Andrew on February 26th, 2008 11:14 pm

So this applies if he hits 21 homeruns and 71 RBIs? Is this an either/or situation? This is going to make me root for him all the more, Steve.
Steve Lombardi on February 26th, 2008 11:41 pm

Gotta be both to be sign-worthy!
williamnyy on February 27th, 2008 6:14 am

Two years ago, Giambi was 37/113, coming off 2005 when he was 32/87.

While injuries are certainly a concern, IF he stays healthy (which is the real BEST case scenario), Giambi has a great chance to easily surpass 21/71. Claiming such a low mark is his ceiling is hyperbole at best (or maybe just provocative nonsense). Even if Giambi fails to meet those barriers, it doesn’t make the statement any more credible because players do not often reach their best case.

Saying Giambi will hover around 15/60, for example, is reasonable; suggesting he can’t do any better than 21/71 is silly.