The return of Jason?

We take a look at Fantasy corner infielders every Tuesday. All stats and notes are through games of Sunday, July 10.

Is it me or does it seem as though the Yankees have been written off more frequently than a Cruise-Holmes romance so far in 2005; yet, there they are, two games behind the Red Sox in the loss column with a four-game series on tap starting Thursday.

The same can be said for embattled first baseman Jason Giambi, who was the center of attention in the spring for all the wrong reasons. Engulfed in baseball's steroid policy (thanks to some leaked testimony), critics expected Giambi to crawl into the fetal position and eventually get traded or released by this point in the season. Heck, the Yankees even tried to demote him to Triple-A Columbus a few months back to work on his swing.

But, like the Yankees, Giambi has shown himself to be nothing if not resilient. After temporarily losing his job at first base to the ageless and streaky Tino Martinez, Giambi has re-emerged not only as Joe Torre's everyday first baseman (for now), but a productive Fantasy cornerman as well.

Sure, the overall numbers aren't spectacular (.278 average, 10 homers, 32 RBI and 28 runs scored), but considering he hit a mere .224 in April and .241 in May, the .278 is a vast improvement. He hit .310 in the month of June and has five home runs so far in July, but what's most intriguing about Giambi's first half is the difference in his production based upon where he plays. When he's the designated hitter, his numbers are putrid (.217-3-11-11). When he's asked to man first base? How about: .351 with seven homers and 21 RBI.

Torre and Fantasy owners need not look any further than that statistical chasm to determine how Giambi fits in to their plans over the second half.

What's equally as interesting is the fact Giambi might be available in your league. His ownership was as low as 43 percent at the end of May in CBS SportsLine.com leagues, but he has since creeped back up to 81 percent. If he's still in your player pool, grab him. If you're looking for a cheap backup first baseman or a DH/CI, now might be the time to see if he's available.

The Yankees will likely play closer to their potential over the second half and Giambi could begin to resemble the player Brian Cashman signed to a staggering free-agent contract a few years back. Fantasy owners should consider jumping on now.

Second-half studs …

• Not to say we told you so, but we did. Chris Shelton would be a front-runner for AL rookie of the year – if he was eligible. A Rule-5 player with the Tigers in 2004, Shelton is not a rookie, despite only 46 at-bats all of last year. He's on pace for .345-13-50-46 and is now clearly Alan Trammell's everyday first baseman. He's still only owned in 68 percent of CBS SportsLine.com leagues. Grab him already!

• Eric Chavez is notorious for his second-half surges. Last year, he hit .286-16-40 after the break and has already showed signs he's swinging the bat better. Now is not the time to bail on him.

• Granted, Jim Thome has had a horrible time staying healthy so far in 2005, but one has to think he'll produce more than seven homers in the second half when he eventually returns from his latest setback (elbow tendinitis).

• Justin Morneau is just too good of a hitter to be scuffling like he has been of late. We had him penciled in for .272-39-120 in the spring, numbers he is nowhere near approaching. But he has to produce more than 11 homers and 44 RBI in the second half, right?

Second-half duds …

• Dallas McPherson was a preseason favorite for AL rookie of the year honors, but a back injury to start the year and now a hip problem have derailed his campaign. His numbers are disappointing (.244-8-26) and his inability to stay healthy has reared its ugly head. What's more troubling is his strikeout rate, whiffing 64 times in 205 at-bats. Mike Scioscia might lose patience with him and you might also.

• Shea Hillenbrand got off to a blazing start hitting .390 in April, but he has since cooled off somewhat and is actually on pace for lighter numbers than we had him pegged for before the season. Don't let his All-Star appearance misguide you. He's a nice player to be sure, but keep your expectations reasonable down the stretch.

• Will Todd Helton be traded? He has had a dismal first half by his standards (.288-10-39) and there's not much there to think he's going to enjoy a breakout second half. His team is awful and he has little to no protection in the lineup. If he is traded to a contender, however …

Bleacher Banter

Brian, Del.: What is Derrek Lee's worth. I got lucky and drafted him this year. However, when is the bubble going to pop? I want to know his worth on the trade market. What pitchers are worth a straight up deal for him. I have been offered Brett Myers and Jeff Kent for him. Is that a good deal?

P.M.: Myers is having a great year (115 IP, 113 Ks) as is Kent (.304-15-60-51). Myers is on pace to throw the most innings of his career, so he might be a bit of a wild card over the second half. If you believe Lee is going to come crashing down to earth, then by all means make this deal. Just don't kick yourself come Labor Day if he's chasing a triple crown.

You can e-mail your Fantasy Baseball corner-infield questions to bleacher@commissioner.com. Be sure to put Attn: Corner Infielders in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.