Giambi’s overall line the past three years is something like .245/.390/.500. If you can look past the batting average, that’s quite good. And that line includes the ugly split of .144/.336/.250 against “power” pitchers. But remember, the league-average split against them is .236/.322/.374 (Giambi can still get on-base, but doesn’t get hits or hit for power).

Here’s the kicker… In 2008, Giambi has 35 PAs against power pitchers and only 20 against the other two categories combined. That’s 64% against pitchers he doesn’t hit well. In 2006 and 2007, that percentage is only 23%. 23%! Of course Giambi hasn’t hit in 2008 — he’s faced really good pitching against which he’s particularly ineffective. Just wait until he faces all the non-power pitchers and cleans their clocks.

Steve, yep. I mentioned that leading off the second paragraph.

It’s important to remember that “average” in this case isn’t the usual .265/.335/.420 line. League-average against power pitchers is more like .210/.300/.340 – ouch.

Sky, check out Giambi’s sOPS+ against Power pitchers for the last three year. He’s still way below average there, no?

It’s important to note that using B-Ref’s definitions, power pitchers are much better than finesse pitchers overall. In 2007, hitters’ were .055 points worse in AVG, .033 points worse in OBP, and .080 points worse in SLG against power pitchers.

While Giambi’s numbers against power pitchers over the last three years are really bad, his numbers against finesse pitchers and those in the middle are phenomenal. You want him up against those guys, but a platoon mate might be nice. Hideki Matsui actually hits power pitchers better than finesse pitchers, but he’s already got a full time gig. Betemit’s similar to Giambi and Duncan doesn’t have enough PA’s to draw any conclusion. Ensberg would be a good fit, though, and he’s a better fielder than Giambi. There you go, your new Yankee platoon: Giambi and Ensberg, Power and Finesse (actually, the other way around).

Speaking of hurting the team… From Lee’s ATM reports

Jorge Posada -1
Derek Jeter -1
Shelley Duncan -1
Johnny Damon -2
Wilson Betemit -2
Jason Giambi -3
Robinson Cano -8

Mike Mussina -3
LaTroy Hawkins -5
Ian Kennedy -8
Philip Hughes -8

3/5 of the rotation has a negative RSAA, and 1/2 the starters have a negative RCAA.