Rudy Giuliani has a message for his fellow Yankees fans: Leave Alex Rodriguez alone.

When stopped by TMZ.com recently, the former mayor stuck up for the embattled slugger.

"I was one of the first to say that Yankee fans should not boo A-Rod," said Giuliani, a fervent supporter of the Bronx Bombers who is often seen sitting in the front row at Yankee Stadium. "He's on our team. You gotta root for him. I think he's one of the greatest players ever.

"I happen to know him personally. He's a really good man."

A-Rod has been a lightning rod for criticism by Yankees fans in recent years. The high-priced third baseman, who is rehabbing a hip injury in the minor leagues, was benched in the playoffs last season and now finds himself embroiled in his second scandal involving the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Rodriguez, 37, is expected to meet with Major League Baseball officials Fridayto discuss his involvement in the Biogenesis clinic, sources told Newsday. The Miami facility allegedly sold PEDs to several big league players, including A-Rod. He could be facing a lengthy suspension by Commissioner Bud Selig.

Rodriguez has denied the latest PED allegations.

A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV’s Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.  Credit: Newsday Studios; News12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Suffolk County District Attorney; North Shore High School

'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.

A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV’s Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.  Credit: Newsday Studios; News12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Suffolk County District Attorney; North Shore High School

'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME