Jason

Giambi

The reason Giambi has been secretive about the location of the tumor is that often this type of tumor is linked to anabolic steroid use (there is no medical evidence to support that connection). The Yankee first baseman did not want to be judged guilty of using banned steroids by association. Giambi, who has been cleared by MLB to take a non performance-enhancing steroid to treat the tumor, has been working out and taking batting practice the past few days under supervision, and seems to be getting his game back slowly. He still hopes to be able to go out on a rehab assignment early next week.

Giambi is hitting .264 with 23 homers and 65 RBI. He becomes the fourth Yankee on the AL squad. Frank Thomas, who finished a close second to Jason Varitek in the internet voting for the final spot, has a legitimate gripe that Giambi, who was fourth, was chosen ahead of him to replace Sweeney, especially with the game being played in Thomas’ home park.

His recent groin strain has slowed down Giambi’s comeback from a tumor and parasites (pick the three words in that sentence you’d never wish on anyone). Giambi would be doing well to be in shape during September.

Giambi, who is recovering from a benign tumor in Tampa, suffered a groin pull Tuesday and shut down his rehab, but ran in an indoor pool yesterday and did an upper-body workout, too. “We haven’t had any setbacks,” Giambi told The Associated Press. "(Today) is a big day.” He is still hoping for an early September comeback to New York, but he may not be back until mid-September at this rate.

His groin muscle pull is still bothering him, and now he has an upper respiratory ailment (likely the flu) that will likely ground the Yankee first baseman for another few days. These problems will delay Giambi’s return to active duty well into the month of September.

Giambi is 0-for-11 with 6 strikeouts since returning to the Yankees in September and has not looked good at the plate. Until the Yankees clinch the division title, don’t expect to see Giambi in the lineup very much.

He is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts since he was activated off the disabled list on Monday. This weekend’s series against Boston is crucial, and the Yankees may not be prepared to let Giambi play himself into game shape during it.

Giambi will also play on Thursday against Brad Radke but will sit out tomorrow against tough left-hander Johan Santana.

The Triple-A playoff series has been extended to a fifth and deciding game that will be played tonight. Giambi, who is 2-for-12 in the series, hopes to join the Yankees as soon as Columbus is eliminated from playoff contention. That could happen as soon as tomorrow.

Time is running out on the New York first baseman. Giambi will need to progress in leaps and bounds to contribute anything meaningful to the Yankees or your fantasy squad this season.