AL Central roundup: Royals could win it all, White Sox pick up ex-Royal & Indians stay the course

Jason Giambi Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians

The Indians were the laughing-stock of spring camps a year ago when they signed a veteran player most fans thought was long retired after passing on him for the open managerial position. Yes, Jason Giambi went from non-roster invitee to occasional role player. While he had a couple of clutch homers to win a pair of games against the White Sox last season, he played how you’d expect him to play: poorly.

Giambi had a line of .183/.283 OBP/.371 SLG, yet Cleveland still invited him to spring camp in 2014. But unless lightning strikes a second year in a row, don’t expect Old Man River to head north with the team.

"Giambi will be evaluated like everyone else in his quest to earn a roster spot. ”Guys have to help us win games,” Francona said. ”I’m concerned with evaluation of players. Sometimes you can’t even do that in spring training. The older guys have history that you can fall back on and take longer to get started. We need to see them play. You have to be realistic. We’re not going to ask Giambi to play three or four games in a row.” – Gary Schatz, AP"

Amazingly, the 43-year-old thought his career was over six years ago when his New York Yankees contract expired. Instead he has spent time with Oakland, Colorado, and now Cleveland.

INDIANS SPRING RECORD TO DATE: 0-1