Yankee fans love to talk about which players are “real Yankees,” and which players are not. Joe Girardi was murdered here in New York when he replaced the popular Mike Stanley in 1996. Tino Martinez took over for local legend Don Mattingly the same year and felt the heat as well. Now, both Girardi and Martinez are considered “true Yankees.” Jason Giambi, of course followed Martinez, and because of the size of his contract as well as his involvement with performance-enhancing drugs, learned how difficult it can be to be embraced by Yankee fans. But after a fine performance in 2005, and a terrific start this season, how long before Giambi is considered a bonafide Yankee? Last year at this time, it looked that would never happen, but now? It’s closer than you think. He’s a productive hitter, Don Mattingly’s boy, and a likable lug. I think if he has another good year, he’ll win over the remaining doubters.