Fast break

Baseball

Does it have pinstripes?

These are trying times for Jason Giambi – apparently not even lucky underwear can help his undersized batting average.

The New York Yankees first baseman caused a bit of a stir Saturday when the Daily News reported – on the front page, no less – that he often wears a gold thong under his uniform pants when trying to snap out of a slump.

“I was blown away,” Yankees broadcaster and former big league pitcher David Cone said with a smile. “You’ve got to be pretty confident in yourself to let that one out.”

Giambi, batting .193 this season, has kept the shiny thong in his locker since he played for the Oakland Athletics. Several teammates acknowledged they’ve tried wearing it, too, including Yankees captain Derek Jeter and outfielder Johnny Damon.

Giambi hit his team-leading eighth homer in the Yankees’ 7-4 loss Saturday, connecting on a 0-2 pitch from two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana.

“Whatever works, man,” Mets right fielder Ryan Church deadpanned before the game.

Olympics

Stojko brings up boycott

Canadian athletes should “make a stand” for human rights and think twice about heading to the Beijing Olympics, two-time Winter Games medalist Elvis Stojko said.

Stojko, who won silver medals in figure skating at the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics, said he would consider boycotting the Games if he were still a competing athlete. He spoke during a rally of about 200 protesting China’s human rights record outside the Ontario legislature.

“People should know what’s going on and athletes have a chance to be able to do that if they wish,” Stojko said.

Golf

Some stiff greens fees

For the golfer who thinks a 15-foot putt with 10 grand on the line isn’t enough action, how’s $200,000 sound?

No, not the prize, just the fee to tee off.

The World Series of Golf next year in Las Vegas will cost $200,000 to enter and offer a $1.5 million payout for the winner.

Organizers think they can find 25 players willing to ante up the $200,000 entry fee.