ATHLETICS CLOSING IN ON GIAMBI
Free-agent first baseman could sign one-year deal this week
By Mychael Urban / MLB.com

OAKLAND -- The Rays agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Pat
Burrell on Monday, dramatically increasing the likelihood of free-
agent first baseman Jason Giambi returning to the A's.

An industry source told MLB.com on Monday afternoon that Oakland
could sign Giambi this week, likely to a one-year deal with a
possible second-year option.

A's general manager Billy Beane, who is known to have had several
conversations with Giambi and his agent, Arn Tellem, cited his long-
standing policy against discussing negotiations while declining
comment Monday afternoon.

The A's and Rays have long been viewed as the front-runners to sign
Giambi for the past several weeks. But former Athletics player Carlos
Pena is locked in at first base for Tampa and Burrell is expected to
serve as the defending American League champions' designated hitter,
so the Rays appear to have no room for Giambi.


Janet

~LONG LIVE TINO MARTINEZ~