Back to his roots

After spending the last seven years with the New York Yankees, first baseman/designated-hitter Jason Giambi is coming back to where it all began.

On Wednesday, he signed a one-year deal, $5.25 million deal with the Oakland A's, with a club option for 2010. A far cry from the seven-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Yankees after the 2001 season. The Yankees refused to pickup the $22 million option on Giambi following a disappointing 2008 season.

"When you're with the Yankees, you're like a traveling rock band," Giambi said in a press conference Wednesday. "I played with basically 25 superstars in New York every day. They're incredible guys and we had the time of our life."

The 38-year old Giambi follows a line of aging, injury-prone hitters signed by Oakland in recent history. (Mike Piazza, Frank Thomas and Mike Sweeney)

In 2008 with New York, Giambi batted .247 with 32 home runs and 96 RBI's. In his seven years with New York, Giambi batted .260 with 209 home runs and 604 RBI's.

Giambi is the also the second big pickup for the Oakland A's this offseason. In November, Oakland traded for outfielder Matt Holliday from Colorado.

"I'm back here to win," Giambi mentioned. He'll join Holliday in the middle of, what is now, an improved Oakland lineup. He'll also play first base from time to time to give Daric Barton a break when needed.

Tampa Bay was also interested in Giambi, but ended up signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 million deal instead, giving Oakland the green-light to get him.

"Jason understands hitting more than any other player I've ever been around," A's General Manager Billy Beane said. "I missed his 35 homers the most, but I also missed his personality."

As far as Giambi's styles go... the mustache that Yankee fans, even some fans of baseball, loved is gone, however the scruffy look that Giambi brought with him to Wednesday's press conference will stay.