Rays met with Giambi

UPDATE, 9:18: Executive VP Andrew Friedman called it "a very good meeting" and said Giambi has "got a lot of the characteristics of a hitter that we like.'' He also said he spoke on the phone with a third potential addition, whom he would not name, but also said he still thinks it's "pretty early in the process.''

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The Rays apparently moved quickly in the next stage of their information gathering process on candidate to improve their offense, with word around the Bellagio that they met late Monday night with Jason Giambi. They are also scheduled to meet sometime in the next 24 hours with Bobby Abreu's agent, Peter Greenberg.

There is a photo that appears to mark the occasion, which appeared on the website dailyfiasco.com, showing Maddon, Giambi and chef Barry Dakake:




Giambi was next in line after they had a lunch meeting with Milton Bradley on Monday as they seek to get a sense of their options.

Giambi, 37, has been mentioned in various reports as likely headed back to Oakland, but that does not appear to be the case as the Rays and others have interest.

Giambi was seen at the Bellagio on Monday night and the ex-Yankee told Newsday he didn't know where he was headed. "It's slow out there,'' he said. "Nothing's getting done yet.'

Comments

[Carl Decanini]

As one of the few remaining Jonny Gomes fans, it would seem to me they have a strong right-handed bat already. If I had a say, I would send Gomes to Arizona or a batting cage anywhere and have him hit against nothing but outside breaking pitches, shorten his swing and learn to hit to the opposite field. He is a strong team player, plays with a great deal of energy and just needs this added dimension to make him more valuable. Also, he is on the payroll for a relatively low number. Just my take.

[notsosmart]

I know I do not know what I am talking about but.... I wonder how many of last years Yankees were on steroids in prior years. Seems to me a few big named players had poor years and did not come back from injuries as they did in the past.

[Ray]

Unless you can get him a VERY reduced salary, don't do it.

He's only good when he's taking steroids and not sure I'd want that around our kids.

[Caleb]

Yes, yes, yes! If anyone is still being retarded about roids, look no further then our own Rays. If you honestly believe the BS that nobody on the Rays roids then you are an IDIOT. STOP WITH THE ROIDS ALREADY AND WAKE UP TO THE REAL WORLD.

[r2cents]

No, no, no!