Yankees baseball blog

Yanks, Cairo agree to deal

Infielder Miguel Cairo and the New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $1 million, one-year contract. Cairo's deal is pending a physical, which likely will take place this week.He was with the Yankees in 2004, winning the starting job at second base during the second half of the season and winding up with a .292 average and 42 RBIs. He wanted to re-sign but the Yankees balked at his contract request last December and instead signed Tony Womack, who lost his job one month into the season and was dealt to Cincinnati this month. Continue

A-Rod's only 'Agenda' is winning

Alex Rodriguez returns a call and walks a minefield, navigating between his euphoria and his trepidation. He is psyched by the Yankees' offseason moves, especially the signing of Johnny Damon, and wants to express his enthusiasm. Yet, he fears his every word will be parsed to uncover a hidden agenda he swears is not there.

Such is life for A-Rod as the calendar flips from 2005 to 2006. He is a winner in nearly all the ways our society keeps score, notably in the areas of incredible riches and talent. Nevertheless, he often feels as if he cannot win. So his answers during a half-hour call are, as usual, long and full of insight. Continue

Mattingly gets another shot at Hall

No one would ever argue that Don Mattingly's performance from 1984-89 wasn't Hall of Fame worthy. The trouble for the former Yankees captain's Cooperstown case is that his career spanned from 1982-95, so voters are forced to consider more than his amazing six-year run.

In those six seasons, the Yankees first baseman averaged 26 home runs, 114 RBIs and a .327 average, playing for the American League All-Star team in each of those years. But Mattingly's next six years were spent battling back problems, tarnishing his sparkling resume in the process. "Mattingly was a great player, there is no question about that," said one Hall of Fame voter. "But when you stack his career up against those guys in the Hall, he just doesn't make the grade." Continue

Matsui to skip Classic

Hideki Matsui has decided to skip the World Baseball Classic to focus on getting ready for next season with the Yankees, he told reporters in Japan earlier this morning.

"As much as it pains me to say this, I have reached the conclusion of passing up on playing for the national team," Matsui said in a statement. "By chasing two goals at once, I feared that my huge dream of becoming a world champion with the Yankees - the very reason that I came to America for - would be neglected."Alex Rodriguez also has bowed out of the World Baseball Classic, saying he didn't want to choose between playing for the United States or the Dominican Republic. Continue

Damon at center of legacy

It is one of those places in sports. It has history, poetry, magic and mysticism. It is a space where legends do not run so much as glide, and where memories grow with the grass. Center field at Yankee Stadium. "I think it's one of the greatest places to play," said Bobby Murcer, who would know, since he was its primary resident from 1969-74 and went to four All-Star Games during that stretch.

So how will Johnny Damon measure up to the lore? It's impossible to be sure, but the expectations will be high. There are few positions in any game that have the history of the spot he has claimed, and the comparisons began almost as soon as his four-year, $52 million deal was sealed. Continue

Joe can't bungle bombers' lineup

Joe Torre knows Johnny Damon will hit first and Derek Jeter will bat second. Beyond that, the Yankees manager doesn't know what the best lineup in baseball will look like. "There aren't too many things you can do wrong," Torre said. "Do you want to separate the left-handers or not, I don't know. I have not thought about it. If I thought about it, it wouldn't do me any good because there are so many guys in that lineup that are capable hitting third, fourth, fifth and sixth. You think of Alex [Rodriguez], [Jason] Giambi, [Gary] Sheffield and [Hideki] Matsui. At this point I don't know how we are going to do it." Continue

Johnny comes clean

Johnny Damon arrived in New York late Wednesday night and the former Boston center fielder spent yesterday getting ready for his formal Yankee introduction: He headed out to Long Island in the morning for his physical exam and will be sporting a short haircut and clean-shaven look for his pinstriped press conference that will take place this afternoon. Although George Steinbrenner said he had spoken with Damon on Wednesday, GM Brian Cashman continued to decline comment on the Bombers' newest signing, saying, "I've got to let the process play out before I comment on that player." Continue

Bernie knows what the deal is

Even though there wasn't a Yankees voice who didn't want Bernie Williams back, the club made no promises to the veteran switch-hitter to go with his new one-year, $1.5 million guaranteed contract that could swell to $3 million with incentives. "There are no promises in terms of playing time or a role," GM Brian Cashman said. "The clear definition was that going into this, it's like any role player; it would not be an everyday situation. But he is a competitive player with athletic ability, and obviously the game will dictate how much playing time becomes available.

"Bernie will try and push himself into the mix on an everyday basis whether that is in the DH role or an injury hits and he winds up back in the outfield or [as] a pinch-hitter. There are a number of factors that could happen, but there is no promise other than, at least on paper, there is not a situation where he is defined as a definite everyday player." Continue

Life of Luxury

The Yankees were hit with a luxury-tax bill for about $34 million, according to The Associated Press, making them by far the biggest offenders in baseball. Only the Bombers and the Red Sox (who owe $4 million) went over the $128million threshold, with the Yanks taxed at a 40% rate because this was the third year they surpassed it. The Bombers' payroll - average annual value of salaries for the 40-man roster including benefits - was $213.1 million. (Daily News)

Bernie's back at 1 year, $1.5M

In addition to finding Bernie Williams' replacement, the Yankees are also putting the finishing touches on retaining Williams himself. The veteran outfielder will stay in the Bronx for one more year after agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract that has several incentive clauses. GM Brian Cashman did not return a call last night, but an announcement of the deal is expected in the next day or two.

With Johnny Damon having signed on as the new center fielder, Williams is expected to serve as part-time DH and backup outfielder. The Bombers are expected to give Williams some playing time in left and right field during spring training to see if he's a legitimate choice to play there on days that Hideki Matsui or Gary Sheffield is the DH; Bubba Crosby also provides a stronger defensive option in those situations. Landing Damon leaves the Yankees with little else to do before spring training. They would like to bring in a utility infielder - former Yankee and Met Miguel Cairo is a possibility - and will monitor the first base market, but are prepared to go forward with a combination of Jason Giambi and Andy Phillips at first. Continue

Cashman gave Yankees edge with Damon

The Yankees re-signed their general manager. The Red Sox did not. Who could have guessed that the current phase of The Rivalry would pivot on the job status of two guys who never even played pro ball? But the Yanks have Johnny Damon today and the Red Sox don't to some large degree because Brian Cashman has brought, of all things, discipline to the Yankees front office, and the departure of Theo Epstein in Boston has led to the relocation of The Bronx Zoo.

Not long ago, the Yanks would have signed Damon to a seven-year contract before Thanksgiving, following the impulsive, throw-money-at-a-problem nature of George Steinbrenner. But to return as GM, Cashman demanded that all organizational decisions flow through him, which has meant more deliberation and cohesion. That style permitted the Yanks to work more covertly and in unison to fill a desperate need at a fair price. Continue

Damon under Yankees' tree

The Yankees said all along that if agent Scott Boras lowered his demands for the services of Johnny Damon, they'd be ready to spend big for the first time this winter. Now they've proven it in stunning fashion, signing the famously long-haired center fielder in about the time it takes Damon to go from home to first.

According to baseball sources, Damon agreed last night to a four-year deal worth $52 million, or the same deal the Yankees gave Hideki Matsui in November. Sources say the deal came together in the space of 48 hours, which is fairly remarkable considering Boras' reputation for dragging out negotiations as well as his insistence for weeks that Damon would get a seven-year deal.Continue

Dotel signs with Yanks

The Yankees went to great lengths to make sure they had Octavio Dotel for a shortened season, and that's why the two sides ultimately agreed Tuesday on a one-year contract worth $2.25 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. With appearance-based incentives, the deal could be worth an additional $3 million, and the sooner Dotel returns from the Tommy John surgery he had last June, the better for him.

Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, believes his client could be ready as soon as Opening Day. But the Yankees are taking a more conservative approach, hoping to have him in the bullpen by June, and seem content to let him walk at season's end, if it comes to that. Continue

Fragile Kyle unsteady fix for this pen

Rearrange the letters in Kyle Farnsworth's name and I believe you spell "Mark Wohlers" or "Jay Witasick." The centerpiece to an altered Yankees bullpen, therefore, is another strapping, fireballing righty who fits in The Bronx as well as tumbleweeds.

Farnsworth has the kind of jittery postseason ledger that Kenny Rogers would laugh at, and has a better chance of winding up on the trade block, come June, than being viewed as a formidable bridge to Mariano Rivera. So the Yanks needed to win a minor bidding war with the Indians, Mets and Red Sox to secure Octavio Dotel, who should be ready to pitch in the majors about June 1, following Tommy John surgery. Continue

Yanks may reserve Dotel room

Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel will most likely choose a team today, and the Yankees felt they were "very much in it," a local source told The Post yesterday. Dotel, a hard-throwing righty coming off Tommy John surgery, received 11 offers this winter and piqued the interest of both the Yankees and Mets. The 32-year-old whittled down his choices to four teams in the last week, and the Yankees showed more substantial interest than the Mets, according to a source. Continue

Yanks reel in Villone

Ron Villone grew up a Yankee fan and still lives within 20 miles of the Stadium, in Upper Saddle River, N.J. So when he found out yesterday that the Marlins had traded him to the Yankees, the lefty's thoughts drifted back to the late 1970s, when he sat in the stands and marveled at Ron Guidry. "I get to live that dream a little bit now," said Villone, who went to his first Yankee game at age 6, in 1976.

Guidry, of course, is Villone's new pitching coach. And while Villone gets to work with a personal icon, the Yanks got to close a longtime pursuit by trading for the veteran of nine previous teams who worked 79 games last season for the Mariners and Marlins. Continue

Giambi pitches Yanks to Nomar

The Yankees' latest pitch to Nomar Garciaparra is coming from Jason Giambi. Joe Torre has already made a phone call to the former Red Sox shortstop, and Giambi was planning to talk with Garciaparra yesterday, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Daily News.

The two stars are very friendly and share an agent, Arn Tellem, who also represents Mike Mussina and Hideki Matsui. Tellem has not returned phone calls in recent days but wrote in an E-mail yesterday that Giambi and Garciaparra are "close friends." He did not offer any other indications about Garciaparra's impending decision on choosing a new team other than to say it could come soon, possibly even before week's end. Continue

Bombers' center options take hit

ake two more names off the list of available center fielders for the Yankees. Yesterday's trade of Milton Bradley from the Dodgers to the A's for minor leaguer Andre Ethier removed Bradley and the A's Mark Kotsay from the trading block. When it was speculated last week that Bradley was on the way to Oakland, some thought Kotsay would be available, but the A's are planning to play Bradley in right field and keep Kotsay in center.

The Yankees never really were hot for the switch-hitting Bradley because of his problems off the field that stem from a fierce temper. Of course, Johnny Damon remains a free agent. Continue

Just say Nomar

Three years ago the odds of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra together in the Yankees' infield were as long as a Beatles reunion. Today, it's moving toward even money. That's because the Yankees are considering signing the 32-year-old Garciaparra to play first base. While GM Brian Cashman and agent Arn Tellem refused to confirm or deny an offer has been made by the Yankees to Garciaparra, several industry sources indicated an offer has been made. Continue

With Damon, Yanks may try to score with four

The Yankees are starting to get serious with Johnny Damon, and according to a person familiar with the Yankees' plans, they'll be "very strong" players if Damon will consider a four-year offer. The Yankees might try to get creative by offering an "out" clause, extra incentives or a higher annual salary. Discussions are intensifying, but agent Scott Boras has requested seven years, and Yankees people say they don't anticipate going past four.Boras said yesterday, "The market's very strong for Johnny ... Our position on seven years is serious, and clubs are aware of it." Continue

Yanks shopping starters market

With the Winter Meetings finished, baseball's GMs yesterday returned to their phones and computers in an effort to upgrade their clubs. For the Yankees, that means trying to land a center fielder, more bullpen help, bringing Bernie Williams back and tinkering with the starting rotation.

"They said it's not out of question they would look into signing a free agent if they can move one of their starters," an AL executive said of the Yankees. With free agents Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Matt Morris and Jeff Weaver remaining on the market, the best fit is Washburn, a 31-year-old lefty who was 8-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 29 starts. Continue

Damon remains front & center

The Yankees made a few moves during the four-day winter meetings in Dallas, but they returned home with the same glaring hole they left with: center field. Although GM Brian Cashman continues to say that the Bombers are comfortable with Bubba Crosby as their starter there, everyone else seems to keep coming up with other solutions. First there was the Derek Jeter/Alex Rodriguez non-story, and then on Thursday, Robinson Cano said he'd be willing to make the move. Continue

He’s old and expensive, but he’s still The Rocket

Let's do it like this: You can enumerate the reasons why the Yankees shouldn't sign Roger Clemens, and I'll shoot down your arguments in four words or less.He's 43 years old. But he's Roger Clemens. He broke down physically at the end of last season. But he's Roger Clemens. He'll be ultra-expensive. But he's Roger Clemens.

Starting pitching ranks among the least of Yankees concerns. That said, he's Roger Clemens. All right, so I took an extra word on that last one. Nevertheless, the Yankees, in the midst of their Winter of Admirable Restraint, need to go against logic, because that's what you do when the greatest pitcher in baseball history becomes available. Continue

Cano finds glove, Yanks a good fit

Robinson Cano probably can get a glove for any position on the field now that he's signed a new endorsement deal with Spalding. If the Yankees ever become desperate enough to ask him to switch to center field, Cano says he would be willing to give it a try.

But the Yanks currently have no plans to move Cano - either in position or via trade - after he finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting (to Oakland's Huston Street) after taking over the team's second-base gig following a May call-up from Columbus. "I don't care, I just want to play every day...If it has to be center field, that's OK," Cano said with a smile at a midtown press conference to announce his endorsement deal. "If they ask me, I'll do it." Continue

Lefty Myers, Yankees agree to deal

The Yankees bolstered their bullpen before leaving the Winter Meetings, agreeing to a two-year deal with left-hander Mike Myers. Myers told MLB.com in a phone interview that he had agreed to terms on a two-year contract with New York, filling the much-needed role of left-handed specialist. "I'm jacked up for it," Myers said of pitching in the Bronx. "It's going to be a lot of fun.

The Yankees are a team I have wanted to play with for quite a while. I'm glad the deal was able to come to fruition." The deal, which is contingent upon Myers passing a physical, was not officially announced. Myers, a 36-year-old submariner, said that he agreed to the deal late Wednesday night, just hours after the Red Sox declined to offer him arbitration. Continue

Bernie, Yanks shake & stir

Bernie Williams has spent 15 years in pinstripes and it appears likely he'll be there for at least one more. Faced last night with a midnight deadline to reach agreement on a new contract, offer arbitration or lose negotiating rights with the veteran center fielder until May, the Yankees received a handshake deal from Williams' agent, Scott Boras, which buys them more time to work out a new pact and effectively ensures Williams will return to the Bronx.

As part of the deal, the Bombers will offer arbitration to Williams - who made about $12.3 million last season - but have Boras' word that he will decline, meaning the Yanks have until Jan. 8 to get Williams signed as a reserve outfielder/DH. The Bombers are looking to give Williams a one-year deal for around $1.5 million-$2 million with incentives that could push the value up to around $3 million. Continue

Bernie, Yanks shake & stir

Bernie Williams has spent 15 years in pinstripes and it appears likely he'll be there for at least one more. Faced last night with a midnight deadline to reach agreement on a new contract, offer arbitration or lose negotiating rights with the veteran center fielder until May, the Yankees received a handshake deal from Williams' agent, Scott Boras, which buys them more time to work out a new pact and effectively ensures Williams will return to the Bronx.

As part of the deal, the Bombers will offer arbitration to Williams - who made about $12.3 million last season - but have Boras' word that he will decline, meaning the Yanks have until Jan. 8 to get Williams signed as a reserve outfielder/DH. The Bombers are looking to give Williams a one-year deal for around $1.5 million-$2 million with incentives that could push the value up to around $3 million. Continue

Roger, Damon look like stars Brian can afford to pass up

Brian Cashman demanded and apparently received more power, more decision-making authority, as part of his deal to re-up as the Yankees' GM last month. Perhaps now we're going to find out how much. At the behest of his agent, Scott Boras, Johnny Damon has taken to the newspapers to openly campaign to become a Yankee, apparently in the hope that he can apply public pressure on George Steinbrenner to fill the hole in center field for the tidy sum of $84 million over seven years.

And now Roger Clemens, one of George's all-time favorite "warriors," is a man without a team, after the Astros declined to offer him arbitration yesterday, meaning that Clemens can't re-sign or even negotiate with his hometown team until May 1. Continue

Bernie facing twilight time

Bernie Williams has spent most of his professional life at the literal center of the Yankees' universe. In a matter of hours, however, he may find himself on the outside looking in. The Yankees face a deadline of midnight (New York time) tonight to agree on a new contract with Williams or offer him arbitration - if they do neither, they lose negotiating rights with him until May 1, effectively ending one of most storied Yankee careers in recent history.

GM Brian Cashman met with Williams' agent, Scott Boras, yesterday at the winter meetings here and said he expects to talk with Boras again today. But there has been little progress on a new contract for Williams - who the Yanks have interest in only as a reserve - and the overriding feeling is that the outfielder will likely be playing elsewhere next season. Continue

Damon set to join Evil Empire?

Once an Idiot, always an Idiot? Not necessarily, free-agent centerfielder and leadoff hitter extraordinaire Johnny Damon insisted yesterday. In something of an about-face, Damon sounded frustrated enough to leave the organization for which he became world champion, chief Idiot and marketable marquee man. What's more, Damon suggested in a phone interview with Newsday that he'd be happy to do the once-unthinkable and bolt for the short-haired, straight-laced arch-enemy Yankees.

Damon, a natural for the biggest stage, actually seemed as excited about the possibility of becoming a Yankee as he was annoyed about his slow-moving negotiations with Boston. And he seemed quite annoyed. "I think New York's a great city," Damon said. Continue

Nomar meeting on tap

The Yankees are expected to meet with agent Arn Tellem today and Nomar Garciaparra figures to be one topic of conversation. Tellem is pushing Garciaparra as a super-utility player who could play almost every day but wouldn't be tied to one position. Garciaparra made $8.25 million last year with the Cubs and the Yankees have little interest in paying him that much. Since there are as many as seven teams interested in the one-time Red Sox star, it's likely he'll end up somewhere else. Continue

On the Bubba

A center fielder and additional bullpen help was what Brian Cashman was searching for yesterday in the lobby of the Wyndham Anatole Hotel and on the phone planted in the Yankee GM's ear during the first day of the Winter Meetings. Cashman uttered the organizational line that if nothing develops, the Yankees wouldn't sweat having Bubba Crosby start the season between Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield. However, Cashman hasn't given up looking for an upgrade over the unproven Crosby.

The signing of Kyle Farnsworth to a three-year, $17 million deal was the beginning of rebuilding the bullpen; not the end.  Yet, Cashman admitted last night, "This is a terrible free agent market" and "I don't have anything hot." "We have a great team here," Cashman said as he ticked off his All Stars. "We are in a position we believe if the right things happen, we have a chance to make it better." Since very few expect Crosby to be the starting center fielder, it means Cashman will spend the rest of the week and beyond scouring the trade market and available free agents. Ditto for the bullpen, where he is ideally looking for another right-hander and a lefty specialist. He huddled with the Phillies in the lobby to discuss Jason Michaels, whom the Phillies want Chien-Ming Wang in exchange for and won't get. Continue

Jeter joins Clemens on World stage

Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens are planning to be teammates once again. The Yankees captain and the Rocket are expected to join with Giants slugger Barry Bonds to lead the U.S. team during next year's inaugural World Baseball Classic. The World Cup-style event will be held during spring training and feature numerous MLB stars playing for their home countries in a 16-team tournament.

While Jeter already has committed to play for America, Alex Rodriguez is still on the fence about whether to join the U.S. or the Dominican Republic squad, while Hideki Matsui is still deciding whether to play at all. It would be huge news in Japan if Matsui chose to skip the event, but a person close to the outfielder said he is concerned by the amount of travel required - the Japanese team will train in Japan and play its first-round games there, too - and is worried about a weary beginning to the season. Continue

Yanks losing at Money Ball

Despite drawing more than four million fans, the Yankees lost between $50 million and $85 million for the 2005 season, several Major League Baseball sources told the Daily News. The benefactors of baseball, who pumped more than $200 million into their payroll and almost $110 million into revenue sharing and luxury tax, are deep in the red this year. "Yes, even George has his limits," one source said. And it may get worse.

According to lawyers close to the situation, the Yankees might have to share additional revenue with poorer clubs if a consultant hired by MLB decides they undervalued their television rights. The Yankees currently charge the YES Network about $60 million a year to broadcast games, but the consultant is expected to say the rights are worth far more. If he does, that will mean the Yankees will be required to make up the difference and put more money into the revenue-sharing fund. Continue

Yanks switch Duncan to first

His path to the big leagues blocked by Alex Rodriguez at third, Eric Duncan is moving across the diamond. The Yankees' first-round draft pick in 2003 out of Seton Hall Prep will start next season playing first base for Triple-A Columbus after playing the position in eight of 23 Arizona Fall League games. "I'm excited, and hopefully it means they will keep me in the system," said the left-handed hitting Duncan, who hit .362 (34-for-94) with eight homers and 27 RBIs for Grand Canyon and posted a .423 on-base percentage and slugged at a .734 clip, the second highest in AFL history. Continue

Hole in center field still not filled

A backup catcher is in the Yankees' barn. One of three relievers is in the next stall. Center fielder? The door is wide open. "Our needs were backup catcher, bullpen and center field," said GM Brian Cashman, who in the past week has added reliever Kyle Farnsworth and catcher Kelly Stinnett. "Backup catcher is behind us, we have bullpen pieces to concentrate on and the same in center field on the free-agent market and the trade market."

Johnny Damon is clearly the class of the free-agent center fielders. But agent Scott Boras is seeking a seven-year deal for him, and the Yankees aren't even nibbling. Milton Bradley is expected to be traded by the Dodgers before Dec. 20, but the Yankees have reservations about putting his volatile personality in The Bronx. Continue

Farnsworth every penny

Whenever a player arrives in the Bronx having had success elsewhere, the lingering question is always the same: Why should we believe you'll do the same here? There never are any guarantees. Kyle Farnsworth is the latest newcomer to face the familiar query, and while he's confident he'll excel as the Yankees' newest setup man the same way he did in Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta, he also can't promise anything.

But that doesn't mean he's scared. "That's another reason I wanted to come to New York," the righthander said on a conference call yesterday to announce his three-year, $17 million deal. "To test how good I really am." Continue

Yankees, Farnsworth agree to 3-year, $17M contract

The New York Yankees agreed Friday to a $17 million, three-year contract with reliever Kyle Farnsworth, moving quickly to replace Tom Gordon as the primary setup man for Mariano Rivera.A source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that the Rangers offered Farnsworth a three-year, $16.5 million contract with a vesting option that would have taken the deal to $21 million, plus incentives. Meanwhile, Atlanta proposed a three-year deal worth close to $15 million.

The hard-throwing righty, who will be 30 in April, split last season between the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves, who acquired him at the July 31 trade deadline. He combined to go 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in 72 games, striking out 87 in 70 innings and walking 27. Continue

Pierre deal to Yanks has Marlins perkin’

The last time Juan Pierre played center field in Yankee Stadium, he helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series. Now, Pierre could be returning to The Bronx as the Yankees’ center-fielder. The cash-dumping Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn’t reject the offer. When the Marlins started dumping salary by trading Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Red Sox and Carlos Delgado to the Mets, the Yankees seemed cool on acquiring the 28-year-old Pierre. Continue

Kyle's close,but Gordon's gone

Despite a little competition, the Yankees believe they are on the verge of landing a new setup man even as they say goodbye to their old one. Tom Gordon agreed to terms late last night on a three-year, $18 million deal to become the Phillies' closer, ending his tenure in pinstripes after two seasons. The Yankees had been hoping to re-sign the righthander but were against giving the 38-year-old a three-year pact and did not alter their stance even when Gordon's camp said it was a must. Continue

Yanks, Farnsworth close

Relievers have been falling off the market quickly this winter and the Yankees appear to be the next team to snatch up some bullpen help. The Bombers were continuing serious negotiations with fireballer Kyle Farnsworth yesterday and, according to sources, are expected to sign him to a three-year contract for approximately $17 million as soon as today.

Farnsworth's agent, Barry Meister, said he couldn't comment on the status of negotiations and GM Brian Cashman avoided specifics, saying only that he was "pursuing any avenues that would improve the team." Atlanta GM John Schuerholz, however, essentially confirmed the signing by telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Braves' chase of Farnsworth is over because the 29-year-old is headed to the Bronx. Continue

Torre sees Bubba starting in center

If Joe Torre has to write Bubba Crosby's name into the No. 9 slot on opening day, he isn't going to do it with a shaky palm leaking sweat. Sure, Torre would prefer the next Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Bernie Williams or a proven big league center-fielder but if it's Crosby, so be it. And judging by the center-fielders that are available via free agency and trades, the 29-year-old Houston native with 163 big league at-bats has as good a chance as anybody else. And a lot better than Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez. Continue

Giles re-signs with San Diego

The Yankees' suspicions that they were out of the Brian Giles' sweepstakes were confirmed last night when the free-agent outfielder re-signed with the Padres. Giles, whom the Yanks have pursued as a possible center fielder, reached agreement yesterday on a three-year, $30 million deal with San Diego.

The deal is pending Giles' scheduled physical this morning and an announcement is expected later in the day, two baseball officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized yet.