The Shrunken Slugger

If you hadn’t already heard the news about New York Yankee Jason Giambi, whose leaked grand jury testimony revealed that he lied about his steroid use, the tabloids’ righteous indignation is hard to miss.

The Daily News headline screams, “Bronx Bum,” and the lead story doesn’t mince words:

Shrunken slugger Jason Giambi was exposed yesterday as a steroid-using liar who betrayed the Yankees and all baseball fans.

The Post builds on the “bum” theme in its headline, actually calling on the Yankees to “Boot the Bum,” which also the paper’s official editorial position:

It’s simple: Jason Giambi must go.

Now.

He has disgraced the Yankee pinstripes and made a mockery of everything that is wonderful and good and pure about the game of baseball.

So now it’s up to George Steinbrenner. Say what you will about the man, he has only ever put one thing above winning: class. And now Major League Baseball and the fans – indeed, the nation – need to know what class really means.

It means throwing the bum out on his ear. Empty out his locker, change the locks to the clubhouse door, and let him go to court if he wants the rest of the $80 million on his tainted contract.

Giambi has said publicly that he never took steroids – which means he’s a cheat and a liar.

Steinbrenner shouldn’t stand for a man like that on his team.

And if Giambi was really a man – if he had character, not just brawn – he wouldn’t let George do it. He’d quit first.

He’d come out in public and admit what he’s done – not tell the truth behind closed doors then try to weasel out of it. He’d say he’s sorry, pay the price for his actions and hopefully use some of his ill-gotten gains for good.

That’s what a Yankee would do.

The Major League Baseball Players Association – to its eternal shame – has protected and coddled its overpaid, overjuiced stars for years, fighting tooth and nail to stop drug testing. The League stuck its head in the sand when every fan of the game knew it was a problem.

So it’s up the Yankees to take the lead.

Giambi’s lawyers will surely sue, the union will surely mewl, and the professional handwringers will tell you a thousand reasons why it can’t be done.

But do it – and the fans will stand up and cheer. They will understand that at least one owner loves the game as much as they do. One owner cares enough to say “Not on my team.” You cannot lie and cheat and steal the trust of the fans if you want to call yourself a Yankee.

As you ponder your decision George, think of Lou Gehrig, think of Thurman Munson, think of Derek Jeter. What would decent men like that have you do.

Lead the way, George – and restore the Pride of the Yankees.