Rays interested in Giambi, Abreu

Add Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu and Ken Griffey Jr., to the mix of free agents the Rays are interested in signing.

Vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon met with Giambi on Monday during baseball’s annual winter meetings in Las Vegas. The former Yankee first baseman would fill the Rays need for a fulltime slugger.

They also have plans to meet with Abreu’s agent. The former Yankee right fielder could fill the Rays void in right field or he could be used as the designated hitter.

Griffey’s agent has told several news outlets that the Rays are on his short-list of teams he would like to play for. The left-handed slugger could be used as a right field/designated hitter platoon or he could serve as primarily the Rays DH.

Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel is linked in rumors of a possible trade between the Cards and the Rays. The Cards need pitching. The Rays could use Ankiel in the outfield.

The rumors of Delmon Young returning to the Rays are apparently just that, rumors.