Rockies, Tracy leave Giambi door open

Rockies manager Jim Tracy so thoroughly enjoyed having veteran Jason Giambi down the stretch last season that he gave Giambi a call Wednesday to let him know he is interested in having him return.

Tracy said Thursday that he made the call fully knowing that Giambi's priority is finding regular duty as a first baseman and designated hitter in the American League. But after seeing Giambi hit .292 in mostly pinch-hit duty with the Rockies in September, Tracy would love to see what Giambi could do from the beginning of the season. Giambi's big-game experience was a calming influence as the team made its late-season push to the playoffs.

"Honesty is the best way to go," Tracy said. "That's the way I know how we treat them. Is there a job out there for him with 400 ABs [at-bats], and if there is, he's more than likely going to take it. That's what he wants to do, God bless him. But if not you hope that he would consider coming back and being a part of our situation."

The Rockies have been seeking a right-handed hitter who could play multiple positions, but Tracy said the Rockies could fit Giambi in becuase of their versatility.

Right-handed hitting Ryan Spilborghs will need to bounce back from a sub-par 2009, but Spilborghs acknowledged he tried to do too much last year and will return to his comfortable swing of the past. There's also switch-hitting speedster Eric Young Jr., who had his moments when called up for the stretch run last year and could be used in either outfield corner, as well as second base (his main position in the Minors) and third base.

Left-handed hitting outfielder Seth Smith saw his starting opportunities increase when Giambi arrived because Tracy didn't have to hold Smith out for a late pinch-hit opportunity.

Other options are more classic fits. The Rockies have talked to Jamey Carroll, Nick Green, Melvin Mora and Robb Quinlan. But Tracy hasn't forgotten the production and influence that Giambi offered in September.

"This is the neat thing in regard to players: Whenever they're very special for you and they show you the kind of character and makeup you'd like to see in building a framework as far as an organization is concerned, the door is never closed," Tracy said.

-- Thomas Harding