  We calculate a new suite of albedo models for close-in extrasolar giant
planets and compare with the recent stringent upper limit for HD 209458b of
Rowe et al. using MOST. We find that all models without scattering clouds are
consistent with this optical limit. We explore the dependence on wavelength and
waveband, metallicity, the degree of heat redistribution, and the possible
presence of thermal inversions and find a rich diversity of behaviors.
Measurements of transiting extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) at short wavelengths
by MOST, Kepler, and CoRoT, as well as by proposed dedicated multi-band
missions, can complement measurements in the near- and mid-IR using {\it
Spitzer} and JWST. Collectively, such measurements can help determine
metallicity, compositions, atmospheric temperatures, and the cause of thermal
inversions (when they arise) for EGPs with a broad range of radii, masses,
degrees of stellar insolation, and ages. With this paper, we reappraise and
highlight the diagnostic potential of albedo measurements of hot EGPs shortward
of $\sim$1.3 $\mu$m.
