Jason Giambi-Then and Now

Even though last night was the first night the Rockies played in the new Yankee Stadium, DH Jason Giambi played in the ballpark for the second series of his career.

Last time Giambi was seen up to bat at the new Yankee Stadium, he was wearing the number 16 with the Oakland Athletics. Both last night and in 2009, the fans at the game gave him a standing ovation before his first at-bat.

Those who followed the Yankees during Giambi’s reign know how useful he is at the plate. During his seven seasons with the Yankees, Giambi had a .254 batting average, 211 homeruns and 604 RBI’s. He also went down in Yankees history when he had the last hit in the House that Ruth Built.

The two time Silver Slugger has made the impact Jim Tracy had hoped for when he came to Colorado in 2009 with 16 homeruns in 52 games, three of which were the Phillies back in May and one he hit last night against the Yankees. Since being with the Rockies, Giambi has earned a .276 average and has been seen in times whenever the Rockies are in need of a spark.

On the field, Giambi has only seen more than 100 starts in a season four times in his career, and hasn’t had one since his final season with the Yankees. Last season Giambi had no problems transitioning into the starting position at first base when Todd Helton was placed in the disabled list.

Even at the age of 40, Giambi has still been able to make an impact on this club. He has lost a bit of his edge, but has had a strong performance, which has been reflected in this current interleague stretch the Rockies are in.