Jason Giambi’s agent, Arn Tellem, has a reputation as an efficient man who gets deals done quickly and quietly.
Yesterday, he told The Post he wants a contract for his free-agent superstar finalized before Christmas – if not sooner.
“My hope would be that we can do it as we’ve done it in the past,” Tellem said. “And that is my expectation. My history shows that I will do it before [Dec. 25], and my hope will be to have it done before Christmas. Hopefully after Thanksgiving.”
The Yankees, of course, are expected to be a leading suitor for the A’s slugging first baseman. Oakland has exclusive negotiating rights to Giambi until Nov. 20. After that, Team Tellem will be able to talk with the Yanks and every other team.
Meantime, the A’s aren’t exactly applying a full-court press to retain their free agent. In fact, Tellem said, “Things are moving very slowly right now.”
Giambi, the 2000 American League MVP, hit .342 with 38 homers in 2001. The 30-year-old led the AL in walks (129), doubles (47), on-base percentage (.477) and slugging percentage (.660).
Giambi was raised a Mickey Mantle fan and Yankee supporter by his father, and still holds the organization in high esteem.
“He has tremendous respect for the Yankees’ tradition and what they represent,” Tellem said. “The Yankees by far have the richest tradition in history.
“I know Jason appreciates that. And I know Jason is definitely – if the Yankees are interested – [he] would be very interested.”
While Giambi has filed for free agency, the A’s haven’t done much to persuade him to stay. Late last month, they finally removed their opposition to a no-trade clause Giambi wanted, but offered him the same six-year, $91 million deal that was tabled back in spring training. Speculation is the Yankees will offer as much as $17 million per year for as many as seven years.
Tellem, who also represents Yankee righty Mike Mussina, indicated the A’s wouldn’t necessarily have an opportunity to match if another team pounces.
Describing Mussina’s move from Baltimore to the Yankees last offseason, Tellem said, “We got into it and felt good about the Yankees and we went for it. And there was no going back to the Orioles.”
