Yankees baseball blog

Ready, or not?

Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Bernie Williams depart from Yankee camp Thursday to report for the World Baseball Classic after one week of spring training and a few at-bats in the first exhibition game. Are they ready to play games that are being billed as having more intensity than the garden-variety spring training game? Can the stars deliver their best performances in early March?

That depends on whom you ask in the Yankees clubhouse. Interestingly, players who aren't participating have doubts, as does Williams. A-Rod, Jeter and Damon believe the level of play will be good, but can't guarantee it. Continue

Sheffield gets back in action

Gary Sheffield returned to the field yesterday after sitting out Sunday's session because of back spasms. The only concession the Yankee right fielder made to his balky back was sitting out fielding drills; he took batting practice and did the daily running with his teammates. Sheffield said that his back, which locked up on him overnight Saturday, was feeling much better though he was still taking medication for it. Continue

No rush to start Carl

There surely is a part of Carl Pavano that wants to walk into Joe Torre's office and tell the manager he's ready, that his back feels fine and that he's prepared to get up on the mound and start throwing right now. But Pavano knows he can't do that. The two-week strengthening program he is on may land him on the disabled list to start the season. If last year's disaster of a first season in New York taught him anything, it's that pitching through an injury isn't going to work.

"I'm not banking on him for Opening Day," Torre said. "The fact that we have a ton of off-days, you only need four - and at times, only three (pitchers) - to start. There's no rush to have him ready Opening Day. Once he starts throwing, you can start the clock. Once that starts, I think it will come quickly." Continue

Achin' Sheff sits out

Gary Sheffield missed yesterday's workout due to back spasms that he and the club insist isn't a big deal. "It bothered me [Saturday] but I kept playing through it," Sheffield said of the problem that started low in the back and worked up to between the shoulder blades. "I took extra swings after batting practice [Saturday]. It will be fine. It's really tight. I will give it a day and be ready to go (today). I just took too many swings."

Sheffield spent yesterday's workout receiving treatment. After working out at the Yankees' minor league facility in the previous two winters, Sheffield opted to let his body heal this past winter and didn't pick up a bat until the start of camp. Continue

Call him all the way-Rod

George Steinbrenner has already predicted a World Series victory. Joe Torre's pre-camp speech focused on the World Series. Now, after less than one week of spring training workouts, Alex Rodriguez senses something grand about the club as he enters his third season here. "This is our year," A-Rod told The Post yesterday at Legends Field. "That's the feeling among the players." It's easy to see why the Yankees agree with Rodriguez, the reigning AL MVP, because when a Yankee looks to his left or right there are All-Stars within earshot. Continue

Keeping old ways at Bay

Sweaty clothes are rarely symbolic of anything more than the perpetual presence of perspiration in an athlete's life. But this was different. Johnny Damon had just finished a morning practice with the Yankees and peeled off his jersey, undershirt, pinstriped pants, socks and underwear. He tossed items to the floor as he removed them and a sloppy pile formed.

Damon quickly slipped into a pair of metallic gray shorts and pulled on a matching T-shirt. He searched his locker for a moment and found a brand new pair of quarter-length athletic socks, tore the cardboard off them and collapsed in his chair to put them on. Then he stuffed his feet into already-tied sneakers and, seeing a crowd of reporters lingering, stood up in preparation for a group interview. Continue

Gary rants are deja spew all over again

It wouldn't be spring, I suppose, if Gary Sheffield wasn't throwing a tantrum over something, usually his contract. Sheff's rants are the stuff of legend by now, which is partly the reason Yankees GM Brian Cashman sought to head off a new one the other day by calling him in before reporters could start asking him about getting his option for next year picked up. Cashman told him the Yankees loved him but did not want to act on the option until after the season. He thought everything was cool with Sheff, but should have known better, especially when Sheffield immediately told reporters that the Yankees would be picking up his option. Continue

Yankees' Sheff is boiling

It doesn't take much to stoke the engines of Gary Sheffield's temper, especially lately. The right fielder is stewing about having to wait for the Yankees to pick up his $13 million option for 2007, which is reason enough for those RPMs to run near the red line.Sheffield says the Yankees are making a mistake auditioning him. If they need a few months, or even weeks to see if his bat is still quick, the slugger is ready with a countermove. Actually, it's a thinly veiled threat: wait too long, and he's moving on. Continue

Damon's close shave

The joke was an obvious one, but everyone laughed anyway. Johnny Damon was facing Randy Johnson in the first live batting practice session of the spring, and the Big Unit's third pitch of the day came flying inside. Damon jumped back, but the ball still grazed his forearm. The Yanks' new center fielder hopped around for just a moment as the crowd at Legends Field yesterday collectively went "Oooh." "Guys were teasing (Johnson)," Damon said later with a smile, "saying he should have done that last year." Continue

Cano's added muscle

Robinson Cano finished the regular season last year in powerful fashion, hitting five home runs in 105 at-bats during the September pennant race. Now he's arrived for his second season looking more like a slugger.Cano, with a noticeably bigger chest, said he added 10 pounds of muscle during the offseason and increased his weight to 205.

"I'm always working hard, trying to get better every year," Cano said yesterday. "I don't want to do the same thing every year. I want to keep getting better and better." Yankees executives have projected Cano, 23, to develop into more of a power hitter, someone who hits home runs in the mid-to-high 20s once he fills into his body. Continue

Guaranteed: Yankee title

George Steinbrenner sent a dazzling challenge to every major league team yesterday. "We haven't won it in a while," The Boss said of the World Series. "We are going to win it this year. We are going after it this year."

Those are bold words from The Boss, who usually falls back on, "We will be in the mix" cliche when asked about his club's chances. But with free agent Johnny Damon atop a lineup that could score 1,000 runs, The Boss was frisky after the first full-squad workout at Legends Field that was witnessed by 2,402. Continue

Giambi pumped up to start over

For the first time in his five springs as a Yankee, Jason Giambi has arrived in camp travelin' light. Not in terms of weight - we went through that two years ago, the first season of the steroids testing program, when he showed up in camp a mere shadow of his former self and claimed he had lost only a couple of pounds by cutting out hamburgers in the offseason. No, we're talking about baggage here. It would seem Giambi has none this spring - no great MVP-like expectations, no rehabbing knee, no parasites, no pituitary tumors, no steroids cloud. Continue

Sheff stays

A signed document doesn't exist. Nor has Brian Cashman told Gary Sheffield the Yankees are definitely picking up his $13 million option for the 2007 season. However, Sheffield was all smiles yesterday after talking to the Yankees' GM about the option.

"They brought me in and told me they were probably going to pick the option up," Sheffield said after taking a physical at Legends Field. A minute later Sheffield said Cashman, "intended (to pick up the option) and what I meant to the organization as far as my leadership and what I have done on the field." Continue

Moose's health key

Mike Mussina insisted yesterday that he and the Yankees have more immediate concerns than negotiating a contract extension - namely his health. Mussina, 37, battled a right elbow injury for most of last season before the discomfort sidelined him in late August, shutting him down for about a month.Mussina has said he no longer feels pain and has been throwing regularly, but he will not know for sure until he pitches in a game. "We've got other stuff to deal with" besides extension negotiations, he said. "We need to make sure I'm 100 percent." Continue

Matsui shouldn't have any regrets

I didn't go to business school or even take an Econ course, but I'm pretty sure this is a correct analysis:If you plan a big money-making venture, and that venture's success relies partly upon the participation of one person, and you don't secure that person's services before going forward ...

That would be what the experts call "a poor business model." Thanks to other people's arrogance and incompetence, Hideki Matsui finds himself in the eye of yet another World Baseball Classic storm. Japan's longtime favorite son suddenly no longer is Mr. Perfect. Continue

Bernie ready for unknown

This is not, Bernie Williams says, a bad time in his life. He is no longer the Yankees' center fielder, no longer a centerpiece of a vaunted lineup, but Williams is looking forward to the possibilities of his new baseball life.

Replaced by Johnny Damon, Williams contemplated retirement over the winter. He had to accept a lesser role if he was going to return to the team with which he's spent his entire career. But he sounded unexpectedly refreshed yesterday after working out with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez at Legends Field, a day before position players were scheduled to take their physicals. The three could join spring training early because they are all participating in the World Baseball Classic. Continue

A-Rod agitated with Classic organizers

Alex Rodriguez is unhappy with organizers of the World Baseball Classic for the way they handled his decision to play for the United States instead of the Dominican Republic. The New York Yankees third baseman took issue with reports that he vacillated between playing for the Americans and the Dominicans.

"Just to make it clear, I only spoke once and then I spoke again three months later," Rodriguez said Monday after reporting to spring training. "All the garbage in between was major league baseball. I didn't go back and forth. I said once, 'I wasn't playing,' and then at the end I said, 'So OK, I am playing." Continue

Johnny didn't come lately here

Johnny Damon didn't have to report here until Wednesday, but the former Red Sox centerfielder couldn't wait that long for his first real taste of life in pinstripes.

Damon, the Yankees' prize offseason acquisition, made a surprise visit to Legends Field yesterday, stopping by for about an hour to greet his new teammates, try on his uniform, organize his locker, hit the weights and take a few swings in the batting cage.Damon couldn't stay long because he had to attend a high school friend's wedding, but by the end of his brief visit, he was visibly excited about returning later this week. Continue

Boss goes off on Oz

That was the message George Steinbrenner (left) sent World Champion White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen yesterday. Earlier this week, Guillen said in Sports Illustrated that Alex Rodriguez was a hypocrite when ARod said he had a tough time deciding to play for the United States or the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Yesterday, Guillen apologized to A-Rod in print. But that didn't stop The Boss from getting on Guillen.

"Shut it up," Steinbrenner said as he made a motion to zip his mouth. "I like Ozzie Guillen as a manager but I don't like him when he pops off like that. That's [horse spit]." Steinbrenner, who was decked out in a "Top Gun" hat, windbreaker, sweats and sneakers, said he wasn't concerned Guillen's comments would bother A-Rod. Continue

Cash: We'll wait on Sheff

Mike Mussina isn't the only Yankee with an expiring contract. Gary Sheffield's deal is also up after the 2006 season and there's been speculation the outspoken outfielder could ask for an extension when he arrives at spring training. If he does, he may not get the response he's hoping for. GM Brian Cashman said yesterday he's currently planning to have the same philosophy with Sheffield's situation that he has with Mussina's: Worry about the future in the future. "That's not something we're talking about now," Cashman said.

Sheffield's agent, Rufus Williams, said he expects Sheffield to be at Yankees camp by Tuesday, which is the day position players are scheduled to take physicals (the first full-squad workout is Wednesday). Although Sheffield - who lives nearby - has shown up for early workouts the past few years, Williams said nothing should be read into the fact that he's stayed away this spring. Continue

Less of Mo this spring

If Mariano Rivera had to make the team on the first day pitchers and catchers took the field, he would be sent packing. While Rivera threw better than he did on the initial day last year, when he was extremely wild, Rivera was far from crisp.

"Judging me from that, I would be at the bottom," Rivera said of his 37-pitch workout yesterday that lasted eight minutes. "But spring training is to get ready." As they did a year ago after Rivera didn't throw all winter, the Yankees will take it slow with their premier closer. He likely won't work in an exhibition game until the second week. Continue

Jeter: A-Rod critics jealous

Derek Jeter is never comfortable speaking for others, but after a workout at the minor league complex yesterday, the Yankees' shortstop shed a sliver of light on why Alex Rodriguez is a target for criticism. Last spring, the Red Sox banged on A-Rod. This year, Ozzie Guillen, the manager of the World Champion White Sox, has gotten on the Yankees' third baseman about vacillating between playing for the United States or the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 3.

"I will let Alex speak on Alex's behalf, but they can keep on taking shots at him, he had a pretty good year," Jeter said of the AL MVP. "He makes the most money and a lot of people are jealous of him." Continue

Posada and Randy strive for unity

Jorge Posada ran out to meet Randy Johnson before the season's first bullpen session yesterday and shook hands with the Big Unit. "I wanted to introduce myself," Posada said later. He was kidding, of course, but not entirely. After watching Johnson work mostly with backup catcher John Flaherty last season, Posada is determined to build a stronger relationship with the Yankee ace this spring. It's not his only interest during spring training, but "that's my priority," Posada said.

Johnson tried to avoid making too big an issue of the subject and reiterated several times yesterday that his ultimate responsibility is succeeding on the mound, not worrying about who is behind the plate. Continue

Tino heading to ESPN

Tino Martinez is on the verge of signing on with ESPN to be a "Baseball Tonight" analyst. "We are in discussions with him about a role at ESPN," network spokesman Josh Krulewitz said. The main analysts for "Baseball Tonight" are Harold Reynolds, John Kruk and Peter Gammons. ESPN has signed Orel Hershiser to do some studio work and has ex-Mets GM Steve Phillips and Jeff Brantley as additional analysts. Larry Bowa's departure from ESPN to become the Yankees' third-base coach created an opening. Martinez, 38, hit .241 with the Yankees last season. He did not return a call last night seeking comment. (NY POST)

Jeter wears pride

On the same day George Steinbrenner expressed his distaste for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Derek Jeter talked about how honored he was to be picked to play for Team USA. Jeter hasn't worn a uniform other than one the Yankees gave him since he was a skinny high school senior in Michigan, and he admitted that donning a different one would be "kind of awkward." But he's "looking forward to the chance to represent our country. That's exciting. It's an honor to be selected to the team. There's a lot of great players in this country, so it's something I don't take lightly."

While Jeter might be honored, his bosses, Steinbrenner in particular, are not in favor of the tournament. The Yankees were the only team in the majors to vote against it and when Steinbrenner was asked yesterday for his feelings on the tourney, he said, "We don't like it that well." Continue

Rivera keeps rolling along

Mariano Rivera arrived at spring training yesterday, pronouncing himself rested, fit and raring to go, and if you were George Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, Joe Torre or any card-carrying member of the Yankee legions, this was the only proclamation of spring that mattered. Because no one in the Yankee universe is prepared to think about life after Mo, even though, at age 36 and his place in the Hall of Fame assured, it's agreed these now are all gravy seasons.

Good as he feels, even Rivera concedes the inevitable could happen at any time. A pitcher's arm can withstand just so much toil and stress. In his case, his durability has been almost as remarkable as his dominance. "The last few years I've been feeling good," Rivera said after completing his physical. "Last year (in which he posted a 1.38 ERA with 43 saves and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting to Angels starter Bartolo Colon) I felt especially good. But only God knows where I'll be next year. I'll pitch as long as God lets me." Continue

Moose's mind on present

Mike Mussina enjoys pitching for the Yankees and they love his professionalism. So it's highly likely Mussina will remain a Yankee after his contract expires following this season. However, don't expect the 37-year-old right-hander's future to be a hot topic across his sixth season in The Bronx. "If Cash (GM Brian Cashman) wants to talk, I will talk, but I am not disappointed," Mussina said about the lack of an extension offer. "We will worry about it when the time comes."

According to Cashman, the time isn't close to arriving. "As of right now, no," Cashman said when asked if he is preparing to talk to Mussina about an extension. "The way I look at it is, 2007 is 2007. I am focused on 2006 at this point." One thing is certain: The Yankees aren't going to pick up Mussina's $17 million option for 2007. Continue

Randy ready for a Bronx rebirth

It takes a big man to admit he didn't quite measure up, but then, that wasn't exactly what Randy Johnson was saying yesterday in his inaugural spring address that was by turns conciliatory and defiant.

Season II as a Yankee will be decidedly more satisfactory to both himself and his critics, the Big Unit vowed, but that is not to say Season I was anything to apologize for. To the contrary, upon further review and in the eyes of the lefty himself, a team-leading 17 wins, the second-most strikeouts in the American League, the fifth-most innings pitched and stingiest batting average against weren't so shabby. They just weren't the goods for which George Steinbrenner surrendered all that moolah. You wanted an ace, Johnson said, I was an ace! But Steinbrenner, of course, wanted and expected more. He wanted a World Series ace and didn't get it. Continue

Torre still has spring in step

Joe Torre is beginning his 11th season as manager of the Yankees and says arriving for spring training still feels fresh and new to him - even if some of the questions he faces are pretty familiar. Pitching has been a recurrent theme for Torre throughout his tenure, and it will be again over the next six weeks. Since the Bombers are currently optimistic about the status of Carl Pavano's balky back, a competition among starters is expected to ensue with six hurlers vying for five spots in the rotation.

Although Torre wouldn't get into specifics, the race is actually much smaller: Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina and Pavano - assuming he's healthy in time - are locks to be the starters come Opening Day, leaving Chien-Ming Wang, Jaret Wright and Shawn Chacon to battle it out for the final two places. Continue

Sturtze is off to slow start

Carl Pavano isn't the only Yankee pitcher taking it slow. When the pitching groups were posted in the clubhouse at Legends Field yesterday, right-handed reliever Tanyon Sturtze wasn't in the A or B groups that will work off mounds tomorrow and Saturday. Yet, he was at the minor-league complex throwing on flat ground.

"They are going slow with me," said Sturtze, who was bothered by a cranky shoulder last year but had a $1.5 million option picked up by the club during the winter. "It will probably be another week [before he will throw off a mound]. I hadn't thrown a lot before getting here, but I feel good." Continue

Pavano hurting again

The Yankees officially open spring training when pitchers and catchers report today, yet they already have their first injury concern. Yesterday, the team told Carl Pavano, coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued first season in pinstripes, that a back specialist has recommended he should not throw off a mound for 10 to 14 days, putting his status for Opening Day in question.

Dr. Robert Watkins examined Pavano last Wednesday in Los Angeles. His written recommendation, which the Yankees received Tuesday, said Pavano should spend the next two weeks undergoing a back-strengthening program. Pavano can still throw on flat ground, as he did yesterday for the fourth time this week, but the Yankees want him to follow Watkins' advice to keep his back from getting worse, especially after Pavano recently revealed that it bothered him all of last year. Continue

Jorge Big on Unit

The marriage of high-strung pitcher and high-strung catcher didn't work last year, so John Flaherty caught Randy Johnson for much of 2005. Jorge Posada, the Yankees' starting catcher, could only watch while his backup got the glamour assignment. Posada wants that to change now. With the Big Unit's personal catcher gone to Boston as a free agent, Posada said yesterday he wants to sit down with Johnson and "talk it out.

"I'm going to make the effort of making him feel comfortable, like Flaherty," Posada said after a brief workout yesterday at the Yanks' minor-league complex. "That's the main goal....I want to win and that's our horse. Flaherty's gone. (Kelly) Stinnett (Posada's new backup) caught him before, but that's the guy I want. It comes with pride, with a lot of things I want to get done. Continue

Pavano feels spring in arm

Carl Pavano reared back and threw, his motion fluid and easy for about 15 minutes. It was just another session on flat ground, but for someone who has much to prove - to himself and to the Yankees - even the simple steps feel good.

Pavano's first season in pinstripes was wrecked by a shoulder injury, and he saw a back specialist last week to check out a new threat, lower back stiffness. But he was pronounced fit and only missed a day of throwing after visiting Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. Watkins is the same specialist who has examined the backs of Yankees from Don Mattingly to El Duque. Continue

5 questions to consider for Yanks in 2006

It's been five whole seasons since the Yankees last won a World Series and that drought surely feels 10 times longer to George Steinbrenner. The Bombers didn't make nearly the splash this winter that they did after the 2004 season but they've addressed their glaring needs and many observers believe this could be the year the franchise gets ring No. 27. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Tampa on Wednesday, here's five questions the Yanks will have to answer this season: Continue

They've got spring

The lineup is going to score 900-plus runs. Mariano Rivera will post 40 saves. Close to four million will fill Yankee Stadium. And the Yankees are the pick to win their ninth straight AL East. So, everything is sweet in the Yankees' universe? Hardly.

While the addition of Johnny Damon to a lineup that already housed Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada certainly provides the Yankees with enough muscle, pitching wins titles and that's where the concerns creep into the Yankees' psyche. Continue

Pavano's back is on track

Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano visited a California back specialist last week after feeling lower back stiffness during a throwing session. But Pavano, whose first season in pinstripes was shortened by injury, received a clean bill of health and was cleared to throw when camp starts this week.

According to General Manager Brian Cashman, Pavano felt twinges after throwing on flat ground about two weeks ago at the Yankees' minor-league complex in Tampa. For their own peace of mind, as well as Pavano's, the Yankees sent the righty to the back doctor they regularly use, Dr.Robert Watkins of Los Angeles. Continue

Chacon and Yankees Settle at $3.6 Million

Pitcher Shawn Chacon and the New York Yankees agreed Friday to a $3.6 million, one-year contract and avoided a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for next week. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by New York from Colorado on July 28 and went 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 starts and two relief appearances. It was a startling turnaround for the former All-Star, who was 1-7 with a 4.09 ERA for the Rockies.In addition to his salary, Chacon can earn $100,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 180, 190, 200 and 210 innings.

After making $2.35 million last year, he had asked for $4.15 million in arbitration and had been offered $3.1 million. His agreement leaves the Yankees with a projected opening-day payroll of $195 million to $197 million, down about $10 million from their record-setting figure at the end of last season. (Newsday)

Jeter thinks Rocket will launch

Derek Jeter hasn't forgotten last October's disappointing loss to the Angels in the playoffs, but as he looks forward to a new season, he's also looking back to the Yankees' past. Jeter kiddingly recruited Roger Clemens when the two saw each other at Michael Jordan's golf tournament a few weeks ago.

"I didn't say much, really," Jeter said yesterday. "It was joking around. This time (in Las Vegas), we didn't really speak about it. Rocket's close to his family. He really enjoys spending time with his kids and that's one of the reasons he went to Houston. "From what I understand, he hasn't decided yet (whether to pitch this season). I'm sure he's got a lot of people tugging on him. I don't think I need to be one of them. Let him make up his mind first." Continue

Yanks interested if Rocket returns

Should Roger Clemens opt to continue his career, the Yankees will be interested. "If he wants to play, we will certainly give it consideration," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "Based on our relationship, he will give us an audience. But he hasn't decided to play. "If Roger Clemens decides to play, everybody in baseball, especially us, will take note and look to see if it can fit," Cashman said.

Clemens, 43, isn't expected to make a decision to come back for a 22nd season or retire until after the World Baseball Championship ends in late March. His immediate goal is to make America's team. After that he will see how his body feels and investigate what kind of money is available. Continue

Duncan has nice upside

Like every other prospect in the Yankees' organization, Eric Duncan closely followed the success that Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang had last year in the majors. Part of being a Yankee hopeful is dealing with the idea that you're only trade fodder, but Cano and Wang showed that there is room in pinstripes for youngsters.

"We were all watching - a lot of us have played with them at one time or another," Duncan said. "The Yankee minor-league system has taken a beating in the last couple of years, with people saying we don't have much. They showed we do have something down here and we have a lot more to offer than people think." Continue

Joe: Don't stick fork into Rocket

Joe Torre believes Roger Clemens will work in the big leagues this summer. He's just not sure if the Rocket will wear Yankee pinstripes. "My guess is that he will pitch," Torre said of the 43-year-old Clemens yesterday at a Gillette-sponsored function in midtown. "I don't think he will get in shape to do what he is going to do [pitch in the World Baseball Classic] and go home."

Despite Texas owner Tom Hicks sending signals that Clemens is thinking about pitching for the Rangers, if the Rocket returns for a 22nd season, it could be either with the hometown Astros or Yankees. Still, according to a report in yesterday's Boston Herald, the Red Sox are getting ready to make a serious offer to Clemens. Continue

Arbitration for Chacon

t looks as if the Yankees and Shawn Chacon are headed for an arbitration hearing next Monday in St. Petersburg. Chacon, who went 7-3 for the Yankees last season, filed for $4.15 million and the Bombers filed at $3.1 million. "Right now it looks like we are going to a hearing," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. Joe Torre said Chacon is a candidate for the starting rotation, but the Yankee skipper isn't wild about Chien-Ming Wang possibly pitching for Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic.

The 25-year-old Wang went 8-5 for the Yankees last season when he was sidelined for nearly two months by a shoulder problem. "That is a concern of mine because of what he had to go through last year," Torre said. Wang is undecided about the WBC, Cashman said. (NY Post)

In Torre's perfect World,Damon wouldn't play

Joe Torre's biggest problem as the Yankees begin spring training? It's a toss-up between a surplus of pitchers under contract and new center fielder Johnny Damon's decision to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. All major league managers should have such woes.

"It looks like we'll carry 12 pitchers, like our club is cut and dry on who's going to be members," Torre said yesterday, at an appearance at Cipriani 42nd St. restaurant. "I don't want to say weed out, but we'll try to organize this spring." Continue

Giambi upbeat for '06

While Jason Giambi looks noticably heavier than he did a year ago -- he says he's 240 pounds after strenuous offseason workouts -- he will undoubtedly report to spring training feeling significantly lighter. No longer will he have to answer questions about whether he can hit for power without the aid of steroids, and no longer will his batting practice sessions be watched so closely.

Giambi even said yesterday that he feels like a Yankee again after being asked to reach out to free agents this offseason, a request typically reserved for a team's top player. "It felt good," Giambi said, "to be really part of the team again." Continue

Yankees eye Clemens - or, down the road, Pettitte

The only mystery surrounding Roger Clemens' return now seems to be which team he'll return to. The Yankees are - no surprise - very interested.

Yankees people think it will be a two-team derby between them and the Astros for Clemens. The Yankees actually view Houston as a slight favorite for Clemens, even though he'd have to sit out until May 1 to re-sign with the Astros. So the Yankees have their eye on Clemens' little buddy Andy Pettitte as a backup plan

.They see Pettitte's ridiculously backloaded contract ($17.5 million in '06) as a potential impetus for a midseason trade should Houston fall out of the race. Continue

Johnny, Boss get together

George Steinbrenner and Johnny Damon met for the first time as employer and employee yesterday during the new Yankee center fielder's hour-long visit to Legends Field, the Bombers' spring training home in Tampa. Damon's first impression was a lot like other new Yankees before him: "He definitely wants to win." The 32-year-old Damon was the Yanks' biggest offseason signing, coming over from the Red Sox for four years and $52 million.

Yesterday wasn't the first time Damon has spoken with The Boss. The two ran into each other outside Yankee Stadium during the 2004 regular season. But Damon is well-known for fully immersing himself in the culture of his team; as a Red Sox he never shied away from talking about "The Curse" or "Red Sox Nation." So to be a member of the Bombers made yesterday's interaction special. Continue

Damon to meet the Boss

George Steinbrenner gets his first face-to-face look at his prize acquisition of the offseason Thursday afternoon when Johnny Damon travels to Tampa, Fla., to meet with The Boss. Damon, having spent this week in Manhattan completing his housing search and making a slew of promotional appearances, told Newsday on Wednesday he is excited to finally spend time with the man who agreed to pay him $52 million over four years."We're just going to talk, kick back and crack some jokes," Damon said. Continue

Damon feeling like a Yankee

February is about spring training, and for Johnny Damon the last four years, that's meant Fort Myers and the Red Sox. But in a few weeks, he will be going to Tampa. For Damon, that feels like the way it should be. On Dec. 23, Damon became the Yankees' biggest offseason acquisition and the Red Sox' biggest offseason defection. He is now the Yankees' center fielder, and yesterday he said being a Yankee has finally hit him.

Asked if he's starting to feel like a Yankee or whether he feels as if he should be heading to Fort Myers, Damon said, "No, I'm starting to feel like I'm a Yankee. That feeling kind of just left me a couple weeks ago. It took a little while, but it feels right now. Everything feels right about being a Yankee, about the tradition, about my new teammates. It feels pretty special." Continue