Steinbrenner Rips Agent for Giambi

New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner blames Jason Giambi’s agent for not allowing the slugger to address questions about his testimony to a grand jury that he used steroids.

“The court told Jason that he could say anything he wanted to,” Steinbrenner said Saturday in Tampa, Fla. “The court gave him permission. And Arn Tellem says no, he doesn’t. He doesn’t say anything.”

“I just don’t like the guy,” Steinbrenner added, referring to Tellem.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in December that Giambi had told a federal grand jury in 2003 that he had used steroids. Giambi apologized during a news conference in New York on Feb. 10, but didn’t say why he was apologizing.

Tellem said Giambi has been requested by authorities not to discuss his grand jury testimony.

“Jason Giambi may be called as a witness in these matters, and the prosecutor, given that he might called as a witness, they asked us not to comment,” Tellem said. “And we intend to cooperate.”

Steinbrenner arrived at Legends Field on Saturday morning and passed Tellem, who was discussing contract extension talks involving Hideki Matsui with reporters, in a golf cart en route to an elevator.

When asked about Matsui as he was entering the elevator, Steinbrenner said he would like for the outfielder to remain with the Yankees before adding, “I don’t like the agent.” He also used a four-letter profanity in reference to Tellem.

Steinbrenner later said he shouldn’t have used the profanity.

“I just don’t think he’s a good man,” Steinbrenner said. “That’s all. I didn’t mean to say what I said. But I’m not happy with him. I don’t like him.”

When asked if it had anything to do with Giambi, Steinbrenner said, “That’s part of it.”

Giambi has $82 million remaining on a seven-year, $120-million deal signed before the 2002 season, but Steinbrenner said he doesn’t want to get out of the contract.

Tellem said that before Giambi’s current contract expires, he will be able to address the matter in greater detail.

“When he’s in position to talk more fully, he will,” Tellem said.

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Atlanta is closing in on a contract extension with pitcher Tim Hudson, who has one year left on his current deal and doesn’t want to talk money during the season.

Hudson, acquired from Oakland in December, set a Tuesday deadline for extending his contract. Otherwise, he could become a free agent after the season.

“It’s pretty close,” Hudson said at camp in Kissimmee, Fla. “We’ve just got a few loose ends to clear up.”

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St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen, who tied for the National League lead with 47 saves last year, agreed to a three-year contract extension.

Isringhausen tied Armando Benitez of the Florida Marlins for the save lead, blowing only seven chances, to help the Cardinals win their first pennant in 17 years.