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DANA POINT, Calif. — Associated Press Published on Tuesday, Nov. 04, 2008 7:24PM EST Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 9:08PM EDT
The New York Yankees declined their 2009 options on first baseman Jason Giambi and pitcher Carl Pavano on Tuesday, making the pair eligible for free agency.
Giambi will receive a $5-million (all figures U.S.) buyout rather than a $22-million salary next season, completing his $120-million, seven-year contract. Pavano gets a $1.95-million buyout instead of a $13-million salary, finishing his $39.95-million deal.
The 2000 AL MVP with Oakland, Giambi hit 209 homers during his time with the Yankees. Slowed by injuries and in the centre of controversy during baseball's performance-enhancing drug investigation, Giambi failed to win any World Series titles during his time in New York.
In a sign that Giambi may want to return to the Athletics, Oakland announced Tuesday that Bob Alejo will become its director of strength and conditioning. Alejo was Oakland's strength and conditioning coach from 1993-01 and followed Giambi to the Yankees, working for Giambi personally and for the team during some years.
Pavano was one of the biggest free-agent busts, spending most of the past four years on the disabled list. He made just 26 starts during the contract, going 9-8 with a 5.00 ERA.
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