Notebook : Selig pressures Yanks’ Giambi
Jason Giambi got two messages on Wednesday.
One was from commissioner Bud Selig telling him to talk steroids with George Mitchell.
The other was from the players’ union telling him to hold off.
In the wake of Giambi’s recent apology for “doing that stuff,” Selig asked the New York Yankees star to cooperate with baseball’s steroids investigator within two weeks.
But Selig deferred a decision on whether to discipline Giambi for his remarks, saying how the slugger deals with the former Senate Majority Leader will be taken into account.
Selig’s statement might be interpreted by some players as a threat to punish Giambi and might make it harder for Mitchell’s staff to persuade players to cooperate.
“If this is the precedent that’s going to be set – that if you do an interview and talk out against Major League Baseball and we don’t like your answers, we’re going to punish you even worse – I think it’s a joke,” Yankees pitcher Mike Myers said.
If he complies, Giambi would become the first active player known to meet with Mitchell.
“Roger Clemens is set to make his 2007 major league debut Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Clearing the bases
Missouri’s Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is renewing its investigation into whether restaurant workers knew Josh Hancock was drunk but continued to serve alcohol to the St. Louis pitcher before his fatal crash. … Barry Bonds’ shins were so swollen in recent days that his socks left a thick imprint in his legs. Bonds was held out of San Francisco’s starting lineup for the second straight night. … Four years after winning the A.L. Rookie of the Year Award, infielder Angel Berroa was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals. The Royals recalled outfielder Joey Gathright from Triple-A Omaha. … The Detroit Tigers placed struggling left-hander Nate Robertson on the 15-day disabled list with a “tired arm.” Left-hander Andrew Miller will be called up from Double-A Erie. … The Chicago White Sox placed Joe Crede on the 15-day DL because of lower back inflammation and the third baseman could be headed for surgery. The White Sox recalled third baseman Josh Fields from Triple-A Charlotte. … White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Major League Baseball’s steroids investigation is unfairly targeting Latino players.