TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter is willing to accept Jason Giambi's apology.
Without admitting that he used steroids, Giambi apologized last week to his New York Yankees teammates, fans and the media for distractions he caused.
"We're here to support him," Jeter, the Yankees' captain, said after working out Monday at the team's minor league complex. "He's obviously in a tough situation. I've been on teams that had guys that have made mistakes in the past. When you're a team, everyone is one family. I'm sure he's going to hear a lot about it over this year. We're going to be there to support him because he's one of us."
Yankees pitchers and catchers report Tuesday, and Giambi will be under scrutiny after 1½ injury-plagued seasons. The voluntary reporting date is Sunday.
"Jason is a friend," Jeter said. "Whether or not he was on our team, anytime you have friendship that's built up over the years, you're obviously going to stay close and support him."
Tino Martinez also voiced support. Martinez, let go by the Yankees after the 2001 season to make way for Giambi, could wind up playing first base this season, with Giambi at designated hitter.
"He's a great guy," Martinez said. "I think in the clubhouse he's going to be fine. Obviously, he made a huge mistake, and he's going to pay for it this year. Hopefully, the fans in New York will give him a chance. He's a big part of our team."
Giambi spoke last week of his desire to win a World Series. The Yankees' last title was 2000.
"I'm hungry," Jeter said. "Hopefully everybody on the team is hungry. When you lose, it's a whole wasted year."
The 2000 AL MVP with Oakland, Giambi's numbers dropped in the second half of the 2003 season when he had a knee injury. He was bothered by a parasite and a benign tumor last year, and slumped to .208 with 12 homers and 40 RBI.
"It's going to be an interesting spring training for us with Jason and welcoming him back," catcher John Flaherty said. "I think his teammates are all going to be there to support him. We're going to be there for him."
Notes
- RHP Carl Pavano arrived in Tampa and threw off a bullpen mound Monday. "I'm excited to get here and get things rolling," said Pavano, who signed a $39.95 million, four-year contract.
- Also working out at the minor league complex were C Jorge Posada, OFs Gary Sheffield and Bubba Crosby, INF Damian Rolls and RHPs Mariano Rivera, Tom Gordon, , Tanyon Sturtze and Steve Karsay.
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