In the Times, Tyler Kepner captures one of the most interesting off-the-field realities that the Bronx Bombers will encounter this year:
The Yankees were on the field, but Jason Giambi was not. He was the designated hitter in the team’s exhibition opener Thursday, and as the Pittsburgh Pirates hit in the middle innings, Giambi was back in the Yankees’ clubhouse, taking shadow swings in full uniform.
The clubhouse TV showed the game, and some players milled around watching it. Then the commentators started talking about Giambi and steroids. Giambi stopped what he was doing and stared at the screen.
His expression never changed, and he never said a word. None of the other players did, either. Welcome to the awkward new world of Giambi, recovering ballplayer and reported former steroid user.
