Giambi nears deal to speak to Mitchell

DENVER – Injured Yankees slugger Jason Giambi is nearing an agreement to speak to former Senator George Mitchell in his investigation of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. The parameters of such a discussion are being worked out, sources indicated, but a deal could be completed as early as Wednesday.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig ordered Giambi to cooperate with Mitchell nearly two weeks ago, giving him two weeks in which to do so, or risk Selig attempting to fine or suspend him. That came in the wake of Giambi’s near-admission of steroid use to USA Today that included the statement: “I was wrong for doing that stuff. What we should have done a long time ago was stand up – players, ownership, everybody – and said: ‘We made a mistake.”‘

The Yankees are not involved in the Giambi-MLB discussions. A source indicated that the team is awaiting Selig’s decision before making any decision on what they will do. The source said: “We haven’t ruled out anything. If in fact, he cooperates, it could be part of a disciplinary agreement that could override our ability to void or not void the contract. We haven’t made any decision on anything.”

However, it is unlikely the Yankees will attempt to void the contract.

Giambi is currently on the disabled list with a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. He is expected to be examined sometime this week, but will likely be out until late in the season.