LHP Scott Kazmir is 5th starter, but won’t be added to roster until April 6. Carrasco on roster 1st six days to serve leftover suspension.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 25, 2013
Giambi had contract purchased, but placed on DL (back strain) and eligible to be activated on 4/9.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 25, 2013
When Kazmir was signed it was seen as a shot in the dark. But all he’s done this spring is strike out 13 batters in 13 innings while issuing only one walk while regaining lost velocity and impressing the Indians’ brass.
For his part, Giambi was expected to retire an/or enter the coaching ranks after his disappointing 2012 campaign and, well, the inevitable march of time. He has only hit .207 this spring, but four of his six hits were for extra bases (three homers and a double) and he took his usual walks. Spring stats, however, were probably not the key to him making the team as much as the elder statesman persona he has successfully assumed the past couple of years, in which he has basically been an extra coach on the roster.
Whether either of these guys are still on the team come Memorial Day is anyone’s guess, but it’s kinda neat to see one old guy and one guy who, while not yet old, was considered dead and buried, getting one last chance out of spring training.