From the Rockies' official twitter, we have learned that the Rockies have inked Jason Giambi to a minor-league contract with a Spring Training invitation, pending a physical.
Giambi, a fan favorite, signed with the Rockies in late 2009 in time to be part of the September push to the postseason as well as the short-lived NLDS.
In 2009, as a primary pinch hitter, Giambi batted .292/.452/.583 (.445 wOBA, 170 wRC+) over 31PA, hitting 2 homers. Giambi then signed a 1-year deal for 2010, where he posted a .244/.378/.398 line as a primary backup for Todd Helton, good for a .344 wOBA and 107 wRC+.
There's little doubt that Giambi's power days are over, and it's doubtful that there will even be a spot for Giambi on the 25-man roster by the end of Spring Training, but at least as a clubhouse influence and draw for the fans, Giambi will certainly be welcome in Arizona.
In more impactful news, Matt Lindstrom has avoided arbitration with the Rockies, signing a 2-year deal with a club option on 2013. Details have yet to be released. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Lindstrom contract is worth $6.4M with a $4M club option on 2013 and a $200k buyout.
Lindstrom was acquired from Houston earlier this offseason in exchange for 23-year old RHP Jonnathan Aristil and 23-year old LHP Wes Musick. In 2010, Lindstrom was a part-time closer for the Astros, posting a 2-5 record with 23 saves over 53.1 innings and 56 games. Lindstrom's ERA (4.31) was a bit inflated from his fielding-independent numbers (3.81 FIP, 4.05 xFIP) by an unhealthy .370 BABIP.
A growing point for Lindstrom will be to keep his walks in check, as he'll likely be the primary backup for Huston Street in the event of injury.