Jason Giambi uncertain about his Major League future - MLB News
Jason Giambi, who is currently a free agent, has said that he pulled out of the candidacy for the hitting coach job for the Colorado Rockies out of respect for recently appointed manager Walt Weiss and to avoid being a distraction for him.
Walt has been appointed for a single year and the left-handed hitter said that had the deal been longer, things could have been different.
"I really thought about it and if Walt had gotten more than a year on his contract maybe it would have been different. But I felt that he needed to get a foothold and have total focus and commitment from the guys," he said.
Jason, who joined the Rockies in September of 2009, has been playing a role of mentor to the youngsters while making limited appearances for the team. He did pursue the role of the team’s manager after Jim Tracy resigned in October in the aftermath of the
worst season yet for the Rockies. Eventually the position went to former Rockies’ player Walt Weiss.
The front office at the Colorado Rockies wanted the veteran first baseman to take the hitting post and made an offer to him, which he latter declined. Giambi recently had surgery on his left groin at the end of the season, so that he could keep his playing
option open. He is currently not sure what lays ahead for him.
"I have no idea what I am going to do next," he said.
Dante Bichette, who has been appointed as a hitting coach has a long history with the Rockies. He was with the team at the start in 1993 and this association continued until 1999. During this period, Dante enjoyed a lot of success, making four All-Star appearances.
He was initially reluctant to take the post, which was offered to him a while back. He was, however, convinced by current manager and ex-team-mate Walt Weiss to take up the role. The new hitting coach has already expressed a desire to get the hitters back
on track and expects better returns from them.
Jason reflecting upon recent event believes that he will most likely be taking coaching or managerial assignments in the Major League in future. "Someday I would love to have that job working with hitters," he said.
He was all praise for Walt, whom he considered a role model from his earlier playing days. "Remember when I was a young kid with the A's, Walt was the man, a guy the minor-leaguers looked up to for his work ethic and hard-nose style of play," Jason said.
Jason Giambi’s future path is yet uncertain. With advancing age and injuries, his playing days may be numbered if not over. He will most certainly be a sought after candidate for coaching once the veteran decides to retire from the game.
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