Giambi to the Cards? Seems like a perfect fit

It's no secret that one of the most sought after free agents this winter will be Oakland A's first baseman Jason Giambi, the 2000 American League MVP and one of a handful of players in contention for this year's award.

The much-rumored exodus of Giambi from Oakland to St. Louis seems like a good fit. Giambi, who credits Mark McGwire for mentoring him early in his career when both sluggers were in Oakland, could step right into his mentor's shoes once again, much like he did when McGwire was dealt to St. Louis during the 1997 season.

McGwire's retirement has seemingly opened the door for Giambi to go to St. Louis. Before the 2001 campaign, McGwire was offered a two-year extension worth $30 million. However, McGwire never signed the contract, hence, voiding it altogether now that he has retired. McGwire's characteristically unselfish act now allows the Cardinals to spend that $30 million on free agents this winter, most notably the talented Giambi.

If Giambi does in fact become a Cardinal, St. Louis will have one of the most formidable 3-4-5 combinations of any lineup in baseball.

With Giambi (.342, 38 HR, 120 RBI) batting third, where he hit 75 points higher than when he hit cleanup in 2001, this year's National League Rookie of the Year Albert Pujols (.329, 37, 130) batting fourth, and Jim Edmonds (.304, 30, 110) in the five-hole, the Cardinals' middle lineup could be the best in all of baseball.

Add to that mix right fielder J.D. Drew, whose breakout year was coming along nicely in 2001 before injuries limited him to just 109 games, and the Cardinals could have the best lineup period in the National League.

The addition of Giambi would also give the Cardinals some much-needed patience at the plate, as he led the American League in walks for the second straight year in 2001 with 129 free passes.

While Giambi's A's were known for their remarkable patience at the plate, the Cardinals were lead by Edmonds' 93 walks, not a bad total by any means but somewhat low for a playoff team.

Another attractive aspect of St. Louis to Giambi could be his potential to assume a leadership role, a role he has coveted as a veteran on the young A's. With a core of young and talented players including Drew (25-years-old), Pujols (21), shortstop Edgar Renteria (26), pitchers Rick Ankiel (21), Bud Smith (22) and Matt Morris (27), the 30-year-old Giambi could be just what the Cardinals need.

Whether or not the Jason Giambi sweepstakes are won by St. Louis, New York (both the Mets and Yankees) or even Oakland, the decision is entirely up to Giambi.

While it might be sad to see Giambi leave Oakland, where he is easily the city's most popular athlete, the potential to once again take over Mark McGwire's legacy could be too much for him to turn down.