TAMPA – Jason Giambi is trying to convince the new regime here that he can be the everyday first baseman.
Yesterday, the 38-year-old – who produces better numbers at first than as designated hitter – took a big step toward doing that by homering to right, doubling to left-center and driving in four runs in his exhibition season debut. In addition, he chased down Pedro Feliz after Andy Pettitte picked him off first during a 7-7 tie against the Phillies at Legends Field.
“I am more excited about (the double),” Giambi said of the opposite-field blast into the left-center field gap. “This is a good start and you don’t want to let it get away.”
Unlike past years, when Giambi was groomed as a DH during spring training, then thrust into first base for extended stretches early in the season, he is competing with Shelley Duncan for the starting job.
Giambi, who missed nine weeks last year with a torn tendon in his left foot, always respected Joe Torre’s use of him and never griped about being DH though he knew the numbers were better when he played the field.
“I am excited to go out there and play,” Giambi said. “Big Papi [David Ortiz] is the only guy who has figured out DH all the time.”
In 1,049 games at first, Giambi is a.309 hitter (1,122-for-3,627) with 243 homers and 805 RBIs. In 449 games as the DH, he is .246 (380-for-1,544) with 93 homers and 274 RBIs.
“I am aware of those statistics,” said Joe Girardi, who admitted those lofty numbers will go into the process.
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Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer will undergo a biopsy in a Houston hospital today. The surgery will determine whether an image detected on an MRI last week is scar tissue or the return of a brain tumor. Murcer was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor Christmas Eve 2006.
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Mariano Rivera threw 41 pitches in a bullpen session yesterday and will make his spring debut Friday or Saturday.
“I am real happy,” Rivera said. “I will see how I feel tomorrow and go for Tuesday with batting practice or another bullpen.”
Rivera and the Yankees insist he isn’t suffering from a physical problem, just following the plan he has used the past few years to get ready.
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First baseman Eric Duncan, a first-round pick in 2003 out of Seton Hall Prep and the 2006 James P. Dawson Award winner given to the top rookie in spring training, was assigned to the minor league camp yesterday with infielder Eduardo Nunez. . . . Jason Lane went 2-for-3 and homered in the tie. . . . The Yankees bullpen didn’t fare well. Steven White gave up four runs, five hits and walked two in 12/3 innings. Kyle Farnsworth surrendered one run and a hit in an inning. Brian Bruney was tagged for two runs and three hits in an inning. . . . The Yankees play the Astros in Kissimmee today with Mike Mussina starting.
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Yogi Berra held court with reporters in the Yankees’ clubhouse and said one of his many accomplishments stands out: fanning only 12 times 597 at-bats in 1950 when he batted .322.
“That’s the best record I got,” Berra said.
Berra was looking forward to eating frog legs at Ron Guidry’s house last night where Guidry was cooking.
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‘Tis the season for scouting and Legends Field was swollen with scouts. Ten teams, including the Mets and Red Sox, sent a talent evaluator.
“It’s too early for somebody to be looking at a special thing, it’s mostly these guys are doing their coverage,” a scout said of the large turnout.