The Giambi Porn-stache returns to Colorado!

Frankly, it’s been a pretty awesome off-season for the Rockies, but until today something was amiss. Jason Giambi and his extraordinary soup-strainer will return to Denver next season. Officially announced this afternoon, the two sides agreed to a one-year minor league contract. Because he signed a minor league deal, Jason wasn’t automatically added to the 40-Man roster. He will have to win a spot on the team during spring training.

The Rox have many potential first basemen, including off-season acquisitions Jose Lopez and Ty Wigginton. So, at first, I thought Giambi’s chance of making the team was a long shot. However, this afternoon, Troy Renck wrote the opposite in a blog for the Post’s website. According to Renck, Dan O’Dowd intends to enter next season with just four main outfielders, creating room for Giambi on the roster.

If he joins the Rockies, Giambi will make $1M next season. Like last year, he will mainly serve as a pinch-hitter and start at first occasionally.

Colorado also signed reliever Matt Lindstrom to a contract extension today. Lindstrom was acquired in late December via trade with the Astros. The hard-throwing right-hander is guaranteed $6.6M over two years with incentives that could earn him an additional $1M each season. The Rockies have an option on Lindstrom for a third year at $4M.

The organization is very high on Lindstrom and taking a small leap of faith with this contract. Matt was arbitration eligible this off-season, but wouldn’t have been awarded as much money as he was given by Colorado. In his blog, Renck speculates that the Rockies think Lindstrom could be the team’s future closer. If true, Colorado likes Lindstrom a lot more than the Astros did; Houston only asked for a bucket of baseballs and two dozen bats in return for Matt. Just kidding. Mostly.

Finally, I just wanted to share a great Hall of Fame article by the Star-Telegram’s Gil LeBreton. Couldn’t have said it better myself, Gil.

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