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MLB Trade Deadline 2011: Jason Giambi Drawing Interest

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that multiple teams have called the Colorado Rockies about first baseman Jason Giambi.

Sources: #Rockies drawing interest in Giambi. His preference is to stay. Team will consult him before making any move. #MLBless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet Reply

 

Giambi is enjoying a resurgent offensive year as a starter, sporting a .324 batting average with a 1.249 OPS and 10 homeruns in just 19 games. His numbers have been poor as a reserve, but he still provides some value as a backup first baseman or designated hitter for an American League contender.

Since he is signed for a very reasonable contract, the acquiring team wouldn't eat much salary. The Rockies could potentially acquire a C-level prospect, such as a high upside reliever in the lower levels. This move would be similar to the New York Yankees acquiring Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros before last year's deadline -- an aging slugger with power potential in the last year of his contract. In return, the Astros received a fringe infield prospect and relief pitcher Mark Melancon It's not a huge improvement, but Giambi was such a low-risk investment for Colorado that it would make sense to pull the trigger.

With the Rockies falling farther out of the playoff race, expect to see names beyond Jason Giambi appear on the trade market.