Much of the buzz around Jason Giambi this week has had him returning to Oakland, but the Rays obviously don't think that's the case. And Giambi's decision to have dinner with Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon late Monday night would seem to validate it.
"I can't imagine [Giambi to Oakland is] done, or I don't think they would have wasted their time or our time," Friedman said today. "I don't know how it's going to play out."
What is clear is the mutual interest. As with the Rays' meeting with Milton Bradley earlier yesterday, Friedman characterized it as a get-to-know-you session. The Rays obviously have seen plenty of Giambi the last few years and like his makeup as a hitter. He would fit in as a DH and occasional backup to Carlos Pena at first should he join the Rays.
It could help that Giambi loves the Tampa Bay area, which he expressed at the meeting, and that he witnessed the Rays' 2008 rise with his own eyes from spring training on.
"It does validate a lot of what we're doing," Friedman said. "He talked about hearing firsthand from our players last year how great things were, and he's got a relationship with a few of our guys. That certainly helps, and I think the interest is genuine on both sides."
Of course, the Rays are not done talking to prospective free agents. Friedman said he spoke to another player by phone today and more conversations will come in the days and weeks ahead.
"I think it's pretty early in the process," Friedman said.
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