From the Toronto Star – -

Reed Johnson figures he’d be a lot worse off for his three-week injury absence if not for the charity of New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi this past off-season. Johnson lives and trains in Las Vegas with long-time friend and former roommate Aaron Rowand of the Philadelphia Phillies and spent the winter taking the equivalent of live at-bats there because of some purchases by Giambi.

“Jason Giambi bought some cages out in Las Vegas this year and one of those pro-batter, (pitching) simulator machines,” said Johnson, who saw his first game action on Wednesday after being out all spring with a sore elbow. “It was me and Travis Lee and Aaron Rowand and a couple of other guys out there and we were able to use the facility whenever we really wanted. Getting to hit off that was almost like quality at-bats.

“So, basically, I had some live at-bats and then three weeks off and then I’m getting some live at-bats again,” he added. “So, rhythm-wise, I’m going to be off a little bit but I felt pretty good (on Wednesday).”

Somehow, I don’t think DiMaggio ever let Ted Williams use his BP pitchers……….