Opinion: Giambi adds fearful dimension to Rockies' lineup
DENVER • Jason Giambi of the Colorado Rockies strolls from the dugout with his Popeye-like biceps and his nasty left-handed swing and hearts began to quake.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki smiled as he considers the scene.
“He brings some serious fear into the opposing team,” Tulowitzki said, “We really didn’t have that before.”
A month ago, Giambi was sitting at his home in Las Vegas waiting for a call after hitting a measly .191 in a disastrous cameo with the Oakland A’s. He was 38, and his career teetered.
Today, Giambi is hitting .400 for the Rockies with two home runs and a staggering 11 RBI in 15 at-bats. The slugger deemed unworthy of an A’s roster spot is a crucial piece of the Rockies quest for a return trip to the World Series. Giambi watched Wednesday’s soggy 6-3 loss to the San Diego Padres.
He revived his career through old-style hard work. After the A’s cut Giambi on Aug. 7, he began a diligent search. He watched video of his final, futile days in Oakland. He was seeking his lost swing.
Giambi moves with the swagger of a care-free, free-swinging slugger, but his façade hides an exacting technician. No detail escapes his careful eye.
After hours of searching, he found the problem. His right elbow was, using his word, “drifting.” He was lifting his elbow in an attempt to increase bat speed, and this little move ruined his stroke.
As he manicured his swing, his tattered body healed. He yearned for another chance to prove himself. He could have stayed in Vegas, enjoying the sun and relaxing with his family, but never considered the option.
“All I ever wanted to be is a ball player,” Giambi said as he relaxed in front of his locker. “I didn’t want to be a fireman, didn’t want to be cop. I wanted to be a baseball player. I really enjoy coming to the ballpark and hanging out with the guys. That’s all I ever saw myself doing.”
On Aug. 24, Giambi finally received his call. The Rockies asked him to join the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, their Triple-A affiliate.
Giambi immediately called a pilot and hopped on his personal jet. He flew to the Springs airport and drove straight to the ballpark. He was excited about a new chance.
Since then, he’s terrified pitchers. He hit .444 with two home runs in 18 at bats with the Sky Sox and has slowed only slightly since moving up to National League pitching.
As important, Giambi has increased the good vibes in the Rockies clubhouse. He doesn’t want to play every day; his aching legs can’t stand the stress. He’s happy to serve as the team’s pinch-hitter/assassin.
His ability to notice tiny flaws is aiding his teammates. Tulowitzki and Giambi are neighbors in the Rockies clubhouse, and they talk constantly about hitting.
“He watches all my at-bats,” Tulowitzki said.
Earlier this month, Giambi told Tulowitzki his shoulder was “flying out” on his swings.
“Keep that shoulder in,” Giambi said.
The technician/slugger was at work once again.
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Check out David’s blog at daveramseysez.freedomblogging.com
