YANKEES Giambi stays home, awaits tests

New York is looking at free agents to fill his spot at first base.
By SEAN BRENNAN
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
NEW YORK -- While Jason Giambi remained at home , too ill to attend Thursday night's series opener with the Baltimore Orioles, his medical situation remained in a holding pattern as the first baseman awaited results from his latest round of tests.
Giambi's health, as well as his playing status, remains up in the air.
"Until the tests are complete, we really don't have anything," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
"It was our hope that we'd have some clarification, but things take time. Whenever you're dealing with someone's health, if it takes longer, so be it. We ultimately want to make sure what's right for Jason. We're doing a full-court press on this to make sure we find out what ails him."
Both Giambi and the Yankees thought it best for the first baseman to remain at home rather than go to the stadium.
"Basically he said that how he felt it was best he stay home," Cashman said. "He wasn't feeling well enough. Given the circumstances that we have tests that are pending, we thought it advisable that he also not be here based on how he feels."
McGriff, Olerud possible
If Giambi does wind up being sidelined for an extended period, the Yankees may look at Fred McGriff and John Olerud, who became free agents earlier this month after being released by the Devil Rays and Mariners, respectively.
"We have engaged two free agent first basemen just to see where they're at and what they're up to," Cashman said.
"That's just due diligence. That's a free look. It doesn't cost us anything."
If neither McGriff nor Olerud excites the Yankees, there is also the possibility of a trade. But Cashman said he has not picked up a phone in the hunt for a possible replacement for Giambi.
"I'm not actively looking for a trade because I don't know that I need to be looking for one," Cashman said.