Yankees baseball blog

Yanks on hold for Pettitte, Clemens

The Yankees have talked to the representative for Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens and are in the same holding pattern other teams find themselves in regarding the free-agent hurlers. Do Pettitte and Clemens want to continue to pitch next year? If so, are they going to stay in Houston? Or, could they return to The Bronx as an entry or solo?

Can the Yankees, with question marks in their rotation, wait until the end of December for Pettitte's decision to hurl or retire? And where does Clemens fit into the equation? Those are the dilemmas facing Yankee GM Brian Cashman as he prepares for the winter meetings next week in Orlando. "We have talked to the Yankees about [Pettitte and Clemens]," agent Randy Hendricks told The Post via e-mail yesterday. "We have also talked to other teams as well. No decision has been made, but I expect one to be made before Christmas by Andy. Who knows about Roger?" Continue

Matsui presents Igawa sales pitch

Hideki Matsui and Kei Igawa played in the Japanese version of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry - Matsui was on the Yomiuri Giants and Igawa the Hanshin Tigers - but Matsui is delighted that the lefty could be his teammate with the Yankees next season. "I am going to support him as much as I can," Matsui said in an interview with Sankei Sports. "If he has a great performance next season, I believe the Yankees would be world champion.

"He does not have to worry about New York life, because there are no big differences from Japan. Maybe he has to drive more carefully in Manhattan." After bidding $26 million for the right to negotiate, the Yankees have until midnight on Dec.28 to reach an agreement with Igawa and his agent, Arn Tellem. Negotiations haven't started, according Brian Cashman, but the Yankee GM said he is eager to begin and left Tellem a message yesterday. Continue

Matsui presents Igawa sales pitch

Hideki Matsui and Kei Igawa played in the Japanese version of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry - Matsui was on the Yomiuri Giants and Igawa the Hanshin Tigers - but Matsui is delighted that the lefty could be his teammate with the Yankees next season. "I am going to support him as much as I can," Matsui said in an interview with Sankei Sports. "If he has a great performance next season, I believe the Yankees would be world champion.

"He does not have to worry about New York life, because there are no big differences from Japan. Maybe he has to drive more carefully in Manhattan." After bidding $26 million for the right to negotiate, the Yankees have until midnight on Dec.28 to reach an agreement with Igawa and his agent, Arn Tellem. Negotiations haven't started, according Brian Cashman, but the Yankee GM said he is eager to begin and left Tellem a message yesterday. Continue

He's got the fire

While some talent evaluators aren't high on Kei Igawa, Trey Hillman is. Hillman, who managed the Nippon Ham Fighters to the Japanese title this season and is a former Yankee minor league manager, is impressed with the left-hander. "I like him,'' Hillman said from his Texas home last night.

"He is a No. 3 or 4 for me. He has a strong lower half. We got to him when we faced him, but he didn't get a few borderline calls, and that got to him. But not in a bad way. He has some fire in him and that's good. He wants the ball and doesn't want the ball taken away from him.'' Asked for a scouting report on Igawa, Hillman said, "He has a high three-quarter arm action that allows him to sweep his breaking ball against lefties. He can get a little extra on the fastball even though he is at about 88 to 90 mph. I have seen him hit 91 to 92.'' (NY Post)

Yankees win rights to Kei Igawa

The Yankees are expected to be named the winner of the bidding process for Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa in an announcement by Major League Baseball later this evening, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The Yankees placed a bid "in the ballpark" of $25 million for the 27-year-old lefthander and team officials were confident in their chances as the 8 p.m. announcement neared. The posting process ended at 5 p.m. Monday and the Hanshin Tigers announced Tuesday morning they have accepted the bid without identifying the winning team.The Associated Press reported that the Mets placed a bid for about $15 million. Continue

Yanks keep faith in Unit, Pavano

On the day the Yankees officially welcomed soon-to-be 38-year-old Mike Mussina back into their Kate Moss-thin rotation with a two-year, $23 million deal, Brian Cashman said he believes Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano can be counted on to fill in behind Chien-Ming Wang and Mussina.

Johnson is 43 and returning from October back surgery. Yet, he has two years with the Yankees and is 34-19 in 67 starts. He isn't the hurler he was five years ago but he wins games, so Cashman isn't reaching when the GM says Johnson can be counted on if the back is OK. While there are age questions, nobody ever has questioned the left-hander's work ethic. Continue

Bombers might bid on Igawa

TheYankees were expected to be among the teams that made sealed posting bids on Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa yesterday. The Hanshin Tigers have until 5 p.m. Friday to accept or reject the highest bid on the 27-year-old lefty who some believe could be a back-of-the-rotation starter for a team that scores runs and catches the ball. Others believe he would be better in the NL than AL.

According to several sources, the Hanshin Tigers aren't going to wait until Friday and their decision could come as quickly as today. The Mets also are interested in Igawa, who was 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA this past season and has a career ledger of 86-60. Continue

Yanks finally make Moose's deal official

In an uncertain pitching market and with questions festering in their own rotation, the Yankees at least have locked up Mike Mussina, who has been a steady starter for them for six years. The team finally formally announced its two-year contract worth about $23 million with Mussina yesterday, filling a second slot in the rotation alongside Chien-Ming Wang. But the rest of the starting five is rife with questions, from Randy Johnson's recovery from back surgery to Carl Pavano trying to revive his stagnant career. The Yanks aren't set on a fifth starter, either, meaning GM Brian Cashman still has decisions to make.

Re-signing Mussina, who turns 38 on Dec. 8, was an easy one, Cashman said. "I know Mike Mussina, my manager knows him, the coaching staff knows him," Cashman said on a conference call. "We know how he prepares, we know the commitment he has to put himself in a position to be successful." Continue

Astros' signings may steer Andy

The Houston Astros had as active a Black Friday as any ardent shopper yesterday without setting foot in a mall, signing outfielder Carlos Lee and righthanded starter Woody Williams, moves that may have an impact on the Yankees' hopes of landing old pal Andy Pettitte. Houston's spending spree undoubtedly will fuel speculation that the Astros are moving ahead with winter plans that don't include Pettitte, a free agent who hasn't decided whether he will play again next season or retire. The Astros also may wonder if Roger Clemens, the perpetually unretiring superstar, will return as well.

The Yankees would love to add Pettitte to their rotation, which currently only includes Chien-Ming Wang, the soon-to-be-officially-signed Mike Mussina and a load of question marks such as Randy Johnson, who is recovering from back surgery, and the unendingly injured Carl Pavano. They intend to inquire about Clemens, too. The Astros gave Lee, who finished the 2006 season with the Rangers after being dealt by the Brewers, a six-year, $100 million contract to bolster their hitting, which was the worst in the National League last season, and Williams signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal that also has a club option for a third year at $6.5 million, according to The Associated Press. Continue

Ready for Long haul

Spring training is still months away, but Kevin Long already has begun work in his new job as the Yankees' hitting coach. He has had lunch with Alex Rodriguez to plan an offseason routine and will visit A-Rod at his winter home in Miami to help prepare him for camp. "I know we all need the offseason," Long said in a recent telephone interview. "But I want to go to spring training tomorrow."

Long, 39, is an energetic "cage rat" who has generally been the first person at the ballpark during each of his stops in baseball, whether it was as a hitting coach in the Royals' system or while tutoring up-and-coming Yankees such as Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera in the minors. His new job is his first taste of the majors after 18 years in the game, and he's understandably thrilled. He's also realistic enough to know that he's in a pressure-filled environment with the Yankees, one in which hitting coaches have paid with their jobs for past playoff failures. And he realizes there are skeptics who think he'll have difficulty reaching millionaire superstars because he is not a former major leaguer himself. Continue

You didn't see my best

Johnny Damon's first year as a Yankee should have been better. At least that's the way the center fielder and leadoff hitter views it six weeks after the season ended with bitter disappointment in Detroit. Talking for the first time since speaking in the hushed Comerica Park clubhouse on Oct. 7 following Game 4 of the ALDS, Damon told The Post he could have had a better Bronx debut. "Sometimes [the fans] saw the player I was, with the home-run stroke, but my numbers with runners in scoring position were way off," said Damon, who hit a career-high 24 homers but batted .260 in the clutch.

"I chased a lot more pitches than I normally should. I have to show the fans a lot more." That .260 with runners in scoring position was down from the .331 he hit for Boston in 2005, and 38 points below his lifetime mark of .298. Continue

Bronx bias strikes Jeter

Maybe it's best that Derek Jeter get a preview of what's in store for him across the next 15 years. Maybe it's best that we get it on the record, from a sizable cross-section of the nation's baseball writers, exactly what his perception really is, what his national image really is.

This time, it was an MVP Award, one that he deserved, one that should have his name on it, one that was taken from him primarily because of the team he plays for and the city he plays in. The voters will tell you differently, but know this: If Derek Jeter had the season he had playing for the Minnesota Twins, and if Justin Morneau had the season he had playing for the Yankees, it would be Jeter who would be reserving space on his shelf for the MVP plaque. Continue

Unit, Pavano still in Yank plans

You can be excused if your view of the Yankees' rotation has only Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina in focus today. However, GM Brian Cashman says Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano are part of the Group, too. And, he said, their physical status isn't affecting the way he is looking at the free-agent pitching market or possible trades for an arm that shakes free. "I have [$16 million] in Johnson for next year so he is part of the five," Cashman said of the 43-year-old lefty who had back surgery in October. "I have $20 million over the next two years in Pavano, so he is part of the five."

Pavano missed all of last season with a back problem, elbow chips and a broken rib. Gil Meche and Ted Lilly have drawn lukewarm interest from the Yankees, who will announce Mussina's two-year deal worth $23 million today. Continue

Twins' Morneau wins MVP; Jeter denied

Derek Jeter was denied his first-ever MVP today when the Twins' Justin Morneau edged him for the honor, beating the Yankees' captain by a slim margin in the overall balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Morneau, who batted .321 with 34 home runs and 130 RBI, received 15 first-place votes and 320 points overall. Jeter was first on 12 of the 28 ballots, and totaled 306 points. The Red Sox' David Ortiz finished third with 193 points and did not receive a first-place vote. Jeter, who already has a Rookie of the Year trophy and MVPs from both the All-Star Game and 2000 World Series, was coming off one of his best seasons in pinstripes. He was second in the AL with a .343 batting average and collected 214 hits, 118 runs, 97 RBI and 34 stolen bases. Continue

RISP-y business for Jeter

Derek Jeter often has been celebrated for his "intangibles," the qualities that don't show up in a box score and hurt him in player-to-player comparisons but probably help the Yankees reach the playoffs each season. Today, however, Jeter may win an individual award because of something concrete - his average with runners in scoring position, perhaps the jewel of his outstanding 2006 season.

Jeter, along with Minnesota's Justin Morneau, is a top candidate for the American League MVP award, which will be announced today. Others include David Ortiz, Jermaine Dye and Morneau's teammates, Joe Mauer and Johan Santana. Jeter already has had a hardware-filled offseason, pocketing his third straight Gold Glove at short; the Hank Aaron Award, given to each league's top hitter; and a Silver Slugger as the best hitter at his position. Continue

Yankees bring back Mussina

As expected, Mike Mussina is headed back to the Yankees next season. The Associated Press reported on Monday night that Mussina and the Yankees came to terms on a preliminary agreement for two years and $23 million. Some of the money is deferred, however, lowering the present-day value for luxury-tax purposes.

Mussina is scheduled to take a physical on Tuesday to finalize the deal, which should be announced on a Wednesday conference call. Mussina told The AP that he would refrain from comment until then. Mussina told MLB.com last Wednesday that he expected the deal to be completed sometime this week. Later that day, the Yankees declined a $17 million option for 2007, paying Mussina a buyout of $1.5 million instead. Continue

Trophy life

The man who has almost everything could have it all by tomorrow, when the American League Most Valuable Player is announced. What more could a baseball player want than Derek Jeter has? How about four World Series rings? Add AL Rookie of the Year honors (1996), the All-Star Game MVP (2000), World Series MVP (2000) and the past three AL Gold Gloves at short. Not enough? Try making $19 million a year, having two wonderful parents and dating the hottest women in the galaxy.

An MVP award is the only trinket missing from Jeter's universe, and friends say while winning a fifth World Series ring is atop Jeter's wish list, he is taking the MVP race seriously. "He competes in everything, and this is no different," an acquaintance said of Jeter, who has never led the league in hitting, homers or RBIs, but whose brilliance isn't tethered to the sexier statistics that have suffocated baseball. Continue

Yanks eye Lilly return

He is left-handed, a former Yankee and interested in returning to The Bronx. No, he is not Andy Petttitte, whom the Yankees would like to have back if he doesn't retire. This lefty is Ted Lilly, a free-agent southpaw GM Brian Cashman admitted having an interest in yesterday.

"We have an interest but that is it, it's premature [at this point]," Cashman said of the 30-year-old Lilly, who was a Yankee from 2000-02 (8-12 in 49 games). He was sent away in the trade that brought Jeff Weaver to the Bronx. Larry O'Brien, Lilly's representative, said his client has been contacted by teams but would like to hear from the Yankees, who have major holes to fill in their rotation, which houses question marks Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano. Continue

Pettitte's decision won't delay Yanks

Yes, the Yankees would like to add Andy Pettitte to bolster a Swiss cheese rotation. Yet the club's offseason pitching plans don't hinge on Pettitte's decision to retire or continue to pitch. "We need pitching," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "Whether it comes from the system or free agency, [Pettitte's decision] has nothing to do with it. I will deal with what's available in the market before us."

Technically, Pettitte - and Roger Clemens - are part of the market because they filed for free agency Nov. 4. However, 34-year-old Pettitte hasn't decided if he has had enough. If he continues to pitch, the smart money says he will return to his hometown Astros, for whom he has pitched the past three years while earning $31.5 million after being let loose by the Yankees after a 21-win season in 2003. Continue

Yankees might make Proctor a starter

With their starting rotation their greatest uncertainty, the Yankees likely will tell Scott Proctor - a pleasant surprise as a reliever in 2006 - to plan for next season as though he will be a starter. "We'll probably have him proceed and prepare as a starter, because you can always go the other way, slide him down and reduce his workload. But it's hard to go the other way," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said yesterday as the general managers' meetings concluded. "But that's for another day."Cashman soon will deliver these likely instructions to Proctor, as the righthander has to work out according to the Yankees' directives.

In the interest of avoiding a free-agent purchase they will regret, the Yankees have explored the trade market for a starting pitcher. Florida intends to keep Dontrelle Willis, but the White Sox are open to dealing anyone from their rotation and could ask for some of the young pitching Cashman acquired this month in the trades of Gary Sheffield and Jaret Wright. Continue

Yanks eyeing Hillenbrand

Shea Hillenbrand's rickety reputation isn't scaring the Yankees away in their search for a right-handed hitting first baseman. According to industry sources, the Yankees have Hillenbrand high on their list. Their plan is to use Jason Giambi as a DH, thus creating a need for a first baseman who isn't a left-handed hitter because the Yankees have lefty swingers Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Robinson Cano and Giambi in the lineup.

As the GM Meetings ended yesterday in Naples, Fla., Brian Cashman was asked about the Yankees' interest in Hillenbrand and said, "I couldn't comment on that." As they did a year ago, the Yankees made inquiries about Nomar Garciaparra, but believe he is returning to the Dodgers. Hillenbrand, who made $5.8 million last year when he batted a combined .277 with 21 homers and 68 RBIs for the Blue Jays (81 games) and Giants (60) games, is a career .287 hitter and would fit nicely at the bottom of the Yankees' lineup. Continue

Cy for Santana, Chien-Ming 2nd

For the second straight year, a Yankees pitcher was the runnerup for the AL Cy Young Award. Chien-Ming Wang capped a tremendous breakout season by finishing behind only two-time unanimous selection Johan Santana in baseball writers' voting released yesterday. Wang's 19 wins tied him for the league lead with Santana, who also paced the AL in ERA, strikeouts and innings pitched as Minnesota's ace lefty earned his second unanimous Cy Young win in three seasons.

"After winning the first Cy Young, I was trying to show people that what happened in 2004 wasn't a fluke," Santana said. "I wanted to show everybody I'm a proven pitcher and I'm able to do this. I know as long as I can stay healthy, I'm going to do my best. But I still believe I can be better." Continue

A-Rod: I'm here to stay

Yankee fans can look forward to kicking Alex Rodriguez around for another three years. At least that's what the $252 million man made clear last night moments before he ducked into hip-hop impresario Jay-Z's 40/40 club to host a charity celebrity poker tournament. Don't worry, Rodriguez cleared the event with baseball after he was caught last year frequenting the city's illegal poker dens.

"My choice is to play for the New York Yankees. It's my choice. I love being a Yankee. I believe we're going to win with me being a Yankee. I'm hopefully going to be a big part of it," Rodriguez said, when asked if there's a chance he would void the final three years of his contract and opt to become a free agent after the next season. "Options are there for protection and choice. The contract is in place. My choice is to be with the New York Yankees. I hold that card."

After batting just 1-for-14 (.071) in the division series loss the Detroit, following a summer of ridicule by Yankee fans and a season in which he seemed to court criticism at every turn (sunbathing in Central Park anyone?), A-Rod is ready to keep trying for that elusive championship ring that his infield neighbor Derek Jeter has won four times. "No question last year was a very challenging year for me personally," Rodriguez said. "I think New York wants to see people go through a tough time and come out of it. The one thing is, I never gave into how difficult the moment got at times." Continue

Mussina returns, Meche on radar

With Mike Mussina re-upping to fall in between ace Chien-Ming Wang and Randy Johnson, if he is healthy, the Yankees have shown an interest in Seattle free agent Gil Meche and are entertaining the possibility of using newly-acquired Humberto Sanchez in a trade for an established starter. The right-handed Meche would fill in the slot at the back end of the rotation, a slot Phil Hughes won't be ready for until at least June and that Carl Pavano can't be counted on to help at all.

According to several industry Sources, Mussina, 38 next month, and the Yankees have agreed to a two-year deal worth $22.5 million after he went 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts. As for Meche, the Yankees are one of about a dozen clubs that have informed the 28-year-old right-hander he is on their wish list. Since the pitching market is depressed, the only AL East team that doesn't have an interest in Meche are the Devil Rays. Everybody else is intrigued by Meche's stuff, which has resulted in a 55-44 career record to go with a 4.65 ERA. This past season pitching for a team that went 78-84, Meche was 11-8 with a 4.48 ERA and made $3.7 million. Continue

A-Rod has an out after '07

J.D. Drew opted out of the final three seasons and $33 million of his contract with the Dodgers to make himself a free agent. The Yankees should take heed, and not only because the right fielder could end up in Boston hitting behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Next year, they could face the same scenario with Alex Rodriguez. Drew is represented by Scott Boras and said often in recent months, despite strong indications to the contrary, he liked Los Angeles and wanted to remain a Dodger.

A-Rod is represented by Boras and has said often, despite strong indications to the contrary, that he likes New York and wants to remain a Yankee. After the 2007 season, Rodriguez has the right to void the final three years on his contract and declare free agency. He would be walking away from $81 million (of which the Yanks are responsible for $51 million, with the Rangers picking up the rest). While Rodriguez is unlikely to get $27 million a year elsewhere, a canvas of executives at the GM meetings indicated he would have no problem landing a deal for six years at between $100-120 million. Continue

Red Sox show yen for 'Zaka

With the official announcement last night that Boston had won the rights to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka, the clock started on the Red Sox's 30-day window to sign the Japanese pitcher to a contract and perhaps turn him into an icon in the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry, such as Johnny Damon or Jose Contreras, two other stars the teams have clashed over.

The Red Sox's winning bid, announced in Japan as $51.11million by Matsuzaka's club, the Seibu Lions, towered over the Yankees' $32 million offer. The Mets, who a baseball official said bid $38 million, apparently finished second in the Matsuzaka Sweepstakes. Neither New York GM expressed any anguish after the announcement, which came last night in simultaneous press conferences, one at the GM meetings here and one in Japan. "Congratulations to them," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said of the Sox. "You want something, you go after it." Continue

The right moves

So far, the Yankees have gotten the offseason right, which for them means they have gotten pitching right. They turned two players they had no intention of keeping for 2007 - Gary Sheffield and Jaret Wright - into four young, inexpensive arms that, at the least, provide organizational depth and roster flexibility and, at the most, in the case of Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan, might offer major league impact.

They are close to re-enlisting Mike Mussina for two years at a time when they are fairly certain the righty still has 180-200 quality innings in him annually. But the tough part comes now. It begins in earnest tonight with the official announcement that the Red Sox have the winning bid to negotiate exclusively with Daisuke Matsuzaka. In addition, the Yanks strongly believe Boston is pushing hard to sign J.D. Drew to bat behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Continue

'New' Sheffield just as outspoken as ever

Gary Sheffield, traded last Friday to the Tigers for a trio of minor league arms, said the only person connected to the Yankees he has spoken to is Brian Cashman. "That's because he was the most honest," Sheffield told The Post of the Yanks GM. Following the 2003 season, Sheffield signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Yankees because George Steinbrenner was the lone Yankee who wanted the right-handed slugging outfielder. The Boss muted voices that believed Vladimir Guerrero was a better option.

Yet, Sheffield hasn't talked to The Boss. Nor has he been in contact with manager Joe Torre or his former teammates. It's a clear indication Sheffield, who will turn 38 Saturday, is ready to begin a new - and final - chapter in a career that has been highlighted by a fierce swing that has produced 455 homers and words that didn't sit well with everybody. Continue

Moose, Yankees near deal

Having traded starting pitcher Jaret Wright yesterday to free up more salary space for anticipated runs at free agents this offseason, the Yankees moved closer to locking up veteran Mike Mussina on a two-year contract. It's expected the Yankees will decline Mussina's $17 million option by Wednesday's deadline, which will entitle the pitcher to an additional $1.5 million buyout from the original six-year deal he signed after leaving Baltimore following the 2000 season. But a representative for Mussina's agent, Arn Tellem, said last night that "Arn has had very productive talks with Brian Cashman, and they are making very good progress."

The new deal is expected to be worth between $22 million and $23 million through 2008. Mussina, who will turn 38 on Dec. 8, provisionally filed for free agency Saturday, the final day to do so, pending the official decision on his existing option. Once Mussina officially returns to the fold, the Yanks will have the second clear-cut piece to their 2007 rotation, along with 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang. Continue

Yanks trade Wright to Orioles

Jaret Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday for right-handed reliever Chris Britton. As part of the deal, the Yankees will pay $4 million of Wright's $7 million salary next year. New York had until Sunday to opt out of Wright's contract, a move that also would have cost the Yankees a $4 million buyout.

Wright, a right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 29, will be reunited with pitching coach Leo Mazzone. When the pair were with the Atlanta Braves in 2004, Wright went 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA.After agreeing to a $21 million, three-year contract, Wright had a pair of disappointing seasons with the Yankees. He injured a shoulder early in the 2005 season and was 5-5 with a 6.08 ERA in 13 starts, then went 11-7 with a 4.49 ERA this year, not pitching more than 6 1-3 innings in any of his 27 starts. Continue

Yanks set to send Wright to Orioles

The tactic served them well with Gary Sheffield, and it appeared the Yankees were taking a similar approach with pitcher Jaret Wright last night. Rather than buy out the final year of Wright's contract, the Yankees are in the process of shipping the righthander to Baltimore.

The Yankees had Wright under contract for 2007 for $7 million, but had an option to buy him out for $4 million. The Bombers aren't going to bring Wright back, but will manage to get something for him by trading him to the Orioles. They'll receive a top prospect or a player on Baltimore's 25-man roster - in which case the Yankees would pay $4 million of Wright's salary.

In essence, it would be the same as if the Yankees bought out the contract - but with the Orioles sending a player to the Yankees to ensure that they could get Wright for one year at $3 million, rather than having the veteran hit the open market. Continue

Bronx bound

Here's a look at the three young right-handers the Yankees received from the Tigers yesterday in exchange for Gary Sheffield:

Humberto Sanchez, 23 * One of top prospects in Tigers' farm system * 10-6, 2.63 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 20 starts with Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie last season * Rumored to be traded to Nationals for Alfonso Soriano last July * 6-foot-6, 230-pounder attended high school in the Bronx

Kevin Whelan, 22 * Went 4-1 with 2.67 ERA and 27 saves in 51 games for Class A Lakeland last season * Limited opposing batters to .178 batting average in 2006

Anthony Claggett, 22 * Posted 7-2 record with team-best 0.91 ERA and 14 saves in 51 games for Class A West Michigan last season * Opposition hit .174 against him; did not allow a run in final 10 appearances of year (NY Post)

Bernie eyes 17th season

When Bernie Williams arrived at Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation dinner shortly after 7 last night, he wasn't even aware that the Gary Sheffield trade had been announced nearly four hours earlier. But the departure of one former All-Star outfielder does little to clear up the other's unsettled situation. "I don't know what's going to happen yet," Williams said when asked whether he expects to return to the Yankees in 2007 for his 17th season in pinstripes. "I guess they're pretty close to start making some decisions and trying to figure out what the team is going to look like next year. I'm just enjoying the offseason right now.

It was a long season, and I'm taking my time with my family and doing a lot of stuff. "But I can tell you this: I still feel the passion for playing the game. I still enjoy the competition. And I still think I'm in pretty good shape. I just have to make what's the best decision for me and my family." With Melky Cabrera likely to earn most of the playing time as the Yanks' fourth outfielder next season, the 38-year-old Williams would have to accept a part-time role. Continue

Pettitte mulling retirement

If Andy Pettitte has been dreaming about returning to pinstripes next season, he hid those thoughts pretty well Friday night. At Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation dinner at Chelsea Piers, the free agent said he is leaning toward retirement. "If I had to make a decision right now," he said, "it would probably be not to play." Why retire so young? "The only thing that I can really say to that is that I've been through a lot more than most guys at 34," he said.

Pettitte, who has had elbow problems, added, "I pitched through so much pain the last three years, I can pitch through anything." Asked about the Yankees, he said, "This place has been so special ... Houston has been awesome, too." (Newsday)

Yankees send Sheffield packing

The Yankees fulfilled their first objective of the offseason by trading outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Tigers for three top pitching prospects, the Daily News has learned. The three prospects are Bronx native Humberto Sanchez, relievers Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett. The trade reunites Sheffield with Jim Leyland, whom Sheff played for on the 1997 World Champion Marlins. According to sources, Sheffield was set to sign a two-year extension with the Tigers. He became eligible for a trade when the Yankees elected to pick up his $13 million option for next year.

Although scouts have high regard for all three of the pitching prospects, the Yankees got back in the deal Sanchez, 23, is the closest to being able contribute on the major league level. The Dominican born righthander was 10-6 with 2.63 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 123 innings at AA and AAA this past season. Continue

Cashman armed for questions

As the Yankees wait to see if they've won the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka and wonder if Randy Johnson will return healthy from back surgery, GM Brian Cashman knows that the Bombers' starting rotation is their biggest question mark heading into the winter. "This question isn't going to go away," Cashman said. "When we get to (spring) camp, obviously, our rotation will be under scrutiny because of the injuries. We'll have to see."

Chien-Ming Wang, Johnson and Carl Pavano are the only signed starters for next season. But only Wang seems like a sure thing. Johnson may not be ready for Opening Day, Cashman said, and the Yankees haven't been able to count on Pavano since he signed two years ago. Even Cashman noted that he isn't positive Pavano will help, saying, "Maybe I've jinxed myself the last two years saying I'm counting on him. Maybe if I water that down, maybe I'll get better results at the end of the day." Continue

Levine: Sheff lacks leverage

Randy Levine denounced and dismissed Gary Sheffield's latest potshots at the Yankees as "a lot of noise" yesterday, and the Yankees president crowed that Sheffield has no leverage regarding his next place of employment. Sheffield has voiced his unhappiness a number of times this offseason about the Yankees' decision to exercise his option solely to trade him. He may be leaving town in a blaze of fury, but Levine said he won't be in control of where he goes. "I think it's very obvious to everybody: He doesn't have a no-trade clause, and he's trying to pretend that he does," Levine said. "But he doesn't.

"I don't blame him for attempting to provide leverage. The truth is, he has none." GM Brian Cashman, presumably one of George Steinbrenner's "middlemen" Sheffield referred to Wednesday, was more diplomatic but tried to steer clear of the issue. "I've had a good dialogue with him," Cashman said. "I always have. So I've just learned not to react with what I see in the paper. I'll just react to what I deal with man-to-man." Continue

Sheff is stewing

Gary Sheffield didn't talk after the Game 4 loss in the Division Series. He hasn't stopped since. Sheffield blasted numerous Yankees targets last night, insinuating Brian Cashman was one of many Yankees "middlemen" to George Steinbrenner, once again questioning Joe Torre's lineup shuffling and minimizing Bobby Abreu's ability. Perhaps most troubling to fans, he argued that if Steinbrenner was still in good health, he'd be back in the fold for 2007.

Instead, he's angry trade bait, run out on a rail because of Abreu. "He's a good player," Sheffield said. "But like I say, you can draw it up any kind of way: He ain't me. And that's the bottom line. "I understood them having to make this move for the remainder of the season. But to sit there and I'm leaving because of [him], I was always told you leave because somebody's better than you. I don't think that's the case here." Sheffield acknowledged he was Alex Rodriguez's sounding board last season. Asked who would take his place, he answered, "Nobody," a seeming shot at Derek Jeter and other team leaders. "You all better get ready," Sheffield said. "There's nobody." Continue

Battle of the bids

The Subway Series might be a neighborhood stickball game compared to this. The Yankees and Mets are expected to submit highly competitive bids on Japanese superstar pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka by 5 p.m. today, and this battle of international intrigue could make the difference in which New York team gets to the World Series next year.

Throw in the deep pockets of the Red Sox, Cubs and Rangers, and the possible dark-horse bids of the Padres, Orioles or someone else, and you have an adventure worthy of a James Bond film. Call Matsuzaka "The Man with the Golden Arm." "He's definitely a top-of-the-rotation starter," one major-league official said yesterday. "He's one of those guys that never really throws the same pitch twice in the same sequence. Continue

Yanks eye Astro pair

Two old New York friends filed for free agency yesterday and though neither Roger Clemens nor Andy Pettitte has decided whether to play next season, the Yankees intend to inquire about both, according to a team source. The Yankees have talked internally about pursuing Pettitte, who left the Bronx after the 2003 season to sign with his hometown team, the Astros. And Pettitte apparently has told confidants that he would consider a return to New York, if he does continue to play.

But nothing has been decided according to agent Randy Hendricks, who along with his bother, Alan, represents both players. "We will listen to anyone who calls," Hendricks said in an E-mail yesterday. "Neither player has decided whether he will play next year." Continue

Yanks get Sheff talks cookin'

The Yankees completed the first step toward trading Gary Sheffield yesterday, announcing that they have picked up the slugger's $13 million contract option for next season. Now the Yankees will continue trade talks with the seven teams that have inquired about Sheffield - Detroit, Houston, Cleveland, Texas, San Diego, Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs. By picking up the option, the Yankees effectively blocked Sheffield from becoming a free agent and took control of where he will play next season.

It keeps Sheffield from signing with a Yankee rival such as the Mets or Red Sox. "I think there are a lot of options now that they picked it up," Rufus Williams, Sheffield's agent, said last night. "Gary has value to them in a number of ways. There are a number of things that might happen and trades are one of the scenarios." Asked if he believed the Yankees were close to a deal for Sheffield, Williams said, "You're close to a deal all the time, but having a deal and being close are two different things." Continue

Sheffield's all but done with Yanks

The Yankees have until the end of this weekend to figure out whether to exercise or decline the 2007 option on slugger Gary Sheffield. According to a source familiar with the Yankees, the $13 million option will be exercised by the team by today, as expected. By accepting the option, the Yankees will be able to trade Sheffield, who will turn 38 later this month, at some point. As reported by The Post's Joel Sherman yesterday, the interested teams include Cleveland, Texas, San Diego and Detroit.

The Yankees, as reported by The Post, are trying to re-sign Mike Mussina to a two-year pact. The right-hander's agent, Arn Tellem, said yesterday in an e-mail that although talks were still being conducted, "we've made substantial progress." Continue

Yanks' plans: Keep Moose, deal Sheff

The Yankees intend to sign Mike Mussina to a two-year contract and trade Gary Sheffield, sooner rather than later on both moves, to initiate an offseason plan in which they will emphasize upgrading their rotation, bullpen, catching and - if possible - farm system.

Sheffield's $13 million option must be picked up by tomorrow, and the Yanks actually plan to do so by today. They have fielded enough offers to know a market exists for the slugger. The Orioles, for example, dangled Kris Benson and a reliever, but were rejected by the Yanks.

The Astros, Padres, Rangers, Indians and Tigers have shown the strongest interest. In return for Sheffield, the Yanks hope to land a dependable starter or reliever, a catcher who would back up Jorge Posada in 2007 and perhaps be the heir to replace him, or a few more pieces to deepen their rejuvenating prospect base. Among those who could intrigue the Yankees are Detroit pitcher Wil Ledezma, San Diego reliever Scott Linebrink and Texas catcher Gerald Laird. Continue

Yanks, Mets set to go to D-Mat

Not only is the market open for Daisuke Matsuzaka, but the marketing for D-Mat also has started. D-Mat - Matsuzaka's "American nickname," agent Scott Boras told The Post yesterday - was available for bidding yesterday, and teams have until 5 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday to try to land the rights for the Japanese right-hander. With Matsuzaka's nickname set, Boras surely hopes the major contract is next. The team that gets Matsuzaka's rights will do so by offering the highest bid through MLB. While that total will be presented to the commissioner of Japanese baseball, the team to offer that sum won't be revealed. The Japanese commissioner will tell MLB within four business days whether the bid will be accepted; if it is, the team with the high bid will have 30 days to try to sign Matsuzaka.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said, "I can't comment" when asked if the Yankees will bid on Matsuzaka. Nevertheless, an industry source said it's highly likely the Yankees will be involved. Mets GM Omar Minaya, who spoke on a conference call yesterday, said of a bid, "I don't want to comment on what my thinking is, as far as what my plans are, what we're going to do." Continue

Rivera: A-Rod deserves break

Speaking yesterday at the upscale New Rochelle steakhouse that he co-owns, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera defended teammate Alex Rodriguez after another poor postseason by A-Rod and the team. "I love A-Rod," he said yesterday at Mo's New York Grill. "I love the guy. He's done a tremendous job. It's not easy being himself ... It's tough. They don't give the guy a break ... New York doesn't give him a break."Rivera added, "If you ask me who has hit in the playoffs, I will name two or three guys. That's it. Alex is not ... the team. It is 25 players. It's not just one guy. If you put the burden on one guy, we'll never win like that."

Rivera said he doesn't know a harder worker than A-Rod. "I tell him sometimes you have to stop," he said. "It's too much - to go hit and videos and hit and hit and hit. I think he wants to be here and he wants to do the job here." Continue

Boss: Jeter good as Gold

Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter won his third consecutive Gold Glove yesterday and minutes after the award was announced, George Steinbrenner said it was only the beginning of the honors Jeter deserves for his 2006 season. "I hope he wins the MVP," Steinbrenner said in a statement released by his personal PR man, Howard Rubenstein. "He should." While Jeter is a favorite fielding punching bag of sabermetric analysts, who use mathematical formulas to calculate fielding excellence and often find Jeter's range lacking, the American League managers and coaches who pick the Gold Gloves like what they see. Jeter finished fourth in the American League with a .975 fielding percentage and had the third-fewest errors (15) among starting shortstops.

"The Gold Glove Award means a great deal to me," Jeter said in a statement released by the Yankees. "Fielding doesn't get many headlines, but it's a big part of the game of baseball. I take great pride in my defense, and to be recognized with a Gold Glove for three straight seasons is a great honor that I will always cherish." Continue

Mattingly manages to sit alongside Joe

While the Yankees are doing everything they can to downplay the idea that they have made Don Mattingly their manager-in-waiting, Mattingly's recent promotion from hitting coach to bench coach is being seen by most observers as exactly that. Still, Mattingly is being cautious. GM Brian Cashman made a point of telling him during discussions about the change that nothing was being guaranteed if and when Joe Torre's tenure ends, and Mattingly seized on that message after his move was officially announced yesterday. Even Cashman described the bench coach position as "the next logical step."

"I need to earn everything I get," Mattingly said on a conference call. "I don't think I can take anything for granted, but obviously it puts me in a much better position (to manage someday)." Mattingly was the Yanks' hitting coach for the past three seasons, and his old spot will be filled by Kevin Long, who held the same job for Triple-A Columbus. Lee Mazzilli, who was the bench coach last year, did not have his contract renewed by the Yanks. Mazzilli did not return a phone message yesterday. Continue

Bernie may go bye-bye

A year ago it was a lot easier to predict Bernie Williams was going to remain a Yankee. Now, the beloved Yankee icon can't be sure he will return for a 16th year with the only organization he has ever taken a check from. Ironically, the 38-year-old switch-hitting outfielder had a better 2006 than 2005, but there might not be room for him next season. Williams, with fellow Scott Boras client Ron Villone, filed for free agency yesterday and there is no guarantee they will return.

A year ago the Yankees brought Williams back to be a bench player and occasional DH. They wanted him to be Ruben Sierra. Thanks to wrist injuries that required surgery to outfielders Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, Williams played in 131 games, received 420 at-bats and hit .281 with 12 homers and 61 RBIs. Still, it's not clear if Williams fits into the Yankees' 2007 plans. Continue

Auction for pitcher

The most compelling player of this year's Japan All-Star Series is one who isn't even on the roster. That would be Seibu Lions righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka, already celebrated on two continents as the must-have pitcher of baseball's winter shopping season, and where he will wind up is a popular subject here in Tokyo.

Fresh off an 11-hour flight from their workout site in Phoenix, a group of groggy Major-League All-Stars greeted the Japanese media last night Tokyo time. But at the same event, there were whispers among the reporters that Matsuzaka and the Lions had arranged their own news conference for the following afternoon, right in the middle of the first scheduled workout day for both teams. Continue