Giese graduated from Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California and then attended the University of San Diego. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 34th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft. In nine minor league seasons, he is 40-25 with 30 saves, a 3.00 ERA in 525⅔ innings, and has held opponents to a .241 batting average. The Yankees purchased Giese's contract from AAA on June 3, 2008, and added him to the active roster. He was optioned back to AAA one day later. Giese was called up again on June 6, 2008 due to an injury to Chris Britton.