Having played with him in Oakland, reliever Steve Karsay understands what type of teammate Jason Giambi is. And the picture Karsay painted yesterday reinforced why the Yankees are hoping to stuff Giambi’s muscles into Pinstripes next week.
The Yankees finally announced Karsay’s four-year deal yesterday that’s worth $22.5 million. There is a $5 million option for the fifth year.
“Jason Giambi is a top-notch guy,” said Karsay, a Queens native. “He is one of the better guys in the game of baseball. He is a leader. I think he would be a great addition to the Yankees and Yankee Stadium. Playing in that ballpark out in Oakland, there is a lot of foul territory and the fences are a little bit longer. With his ability coming into New York, it can be a great situation for him.
“His demeanor on the field is the same as it is in the clubhouse, very professional and wanting to win and I think that’s very important to him.”
Karsay, 29, picked the Yankees and a setup role over other teams that wanted him to close. Understanding there was serious closer interest out there, the Yankees knew they had to pay top dollar to get the Christ The King alum.
“It’s an important part of the game,” Karsay said of setting up Mariano Rivera. “The game has changed quite a bit in the past decade or so with setup men and long relievers.
“Even though coming to the Yankees and setting up and having the magnitude of this deal, there were opportunities to go other places and be a closer. But I chose this because I felt this was the best situation for myself and my family to be in.”