Jason Giambi, DH, New York Yankees

June 4, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Caleb Benoit
Edited by Ryan Dodson

The latest event in what has been a turmoil-filled season for New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi is torn foot tissue that could sideline the slugger anywhere from three-to-six weeks to the entire season, according to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

After a sizzling April in which Giambi hit .322 with four home runs and 17 RBI, he was diagnosed with a bone spur and switched to orthopedic shoes to relieve the pain. He then hit just .117 with three home runs and six RBI during the month of May.

"Rounding the bases he felt a pop," Cashman told the Associated Press.

Dr. William Hamilton said Giambi has a partially torn plantar fascia, which is the tissue that connects the heel and the base of the toes that support the arch of the foot. It's a similar injury that sidelined former first baseman Mark McGwire for the better part of two seasons. McGwire was younger when he suffered the injury. Giambi is now 36.

The Associated Press reported Giambi will wear a walking boot until his next scheduled MRI, which is in three weeks.

With Yankees' first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz also on the shelf after suffering a broken hand and concussion over the weekend, the team has holes to fill at both first base and designated hitter. Outfielders Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu should all share time filling the designated hitter role, which will open up an outfield spot for Melky Cabrera.

At first base, Josh Phelps should get more playing time. He should be a decent source of power, but don't expect much in terms of average. He's hitting just .235 in limited time against right-handers. Damon could also see some time there, and an Andy Phillips call-up is not out of the question.

As far as Giambi, he wasn't the same hitter after playing the field for the first time on April 28. He began hurting soon after, and he's no sure thing to return to his April levels when/if he returns this season.

KFFL writer Andrew Stewart highlighted a couple potential replacements for shallow leagues: the Cleveland Indians' Ryan Garko (.380 with five home runs and 15 RBI in May), the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's Casey Kotchman (.304 with 26 RBI to date) and the Atlanta Braves' Scott Thorman (six home runs and 25 RBI to date).

Two other options are Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson and Tampa Bay Devil Rays first baseman Carlos Pena. After a slow start, Jackson has reached base in 11 of his last 12 games and raised his average from .222 to .279. Pena has 11 home runs and a .297 average in 128 at-bats

In deeper leagues, the Toronto Blue Jays' Matt Stairs, who will play first base while Lyle Overbay (broken hand) is on the DL, could be an adequate stopgap. He has seven home runs in 94 at-bats. Just don't expect Pena's and Stairs' average to stay hovering around .300. They should have averages more around .260-.270.

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Caleb Benoit
Caleb has been with KFFL since 2007.

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