Yankees baseball blog

Opener & closed

Joe Torre's office contains framed pictures of his four championship Yankees teams, two leather couches, and yesterday it also housed euphoria and despair. It was both a joyous and painful day for the manager. It was the day Torre got to tell Josh Phelps the first baseman successfully navigated from the wilderness of Legends Field to the 25-man roster. "Congratulations," Torre told Phelps yesterday morning, "you have come a long way from Field 2."

But it also was the day Torre had to inform a player he is fond of, Todd Pratt, that Pratt had not made the team. As if to verify all that Torre liked about him, Pratt actually asked if he could decline the bus trip to Lakeland. He had been listed on yesterday's lineup card as the catcher and cleanup hitter. But he no longer was a Yankees employee, so, of course, Torre said yes. With that, Pratt, still in street clothes, at age 40, walked out of a major-league clubhouse, perhaps for the final time. Continue

Boss: I don't need a successor yet

George Steinbrenner may not know who his successor will be, but for now, that doesn't matter. He doesn't plan to need one in the near future. Despite occasional rumors to the contrary, Steinbrenner, 76, remains active in his role as principal owner of the Yankees. His spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, told Newsday by phone Friday: "George said that he's going to continue to run the Yankees. He's absolutely not retiring."Rubenstein also said: "He's coming to the opener."

The future of the Yankees became murky this week when Steinbrenner's daughter Jennifer filed for divorce from Steve Swindal, who was to succeed Steinbrenner. Swindal no longer has a future at the top of the organization. Rubenstein said, "Steinbrenner is saying that he and his family will continue to run the Yankees." And Swindal will no longer be family. Continue

Pavano gets nod for Opening Day

Carl Pavano was officially announced as the Yankees' Opening Day starter on Friday, but only after plans for a surprise appearance by Andy Pettitte fell through. The 31-year-old right-hander will make his long-awaited return to a Major League mound on Monday, facing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium in what will be Pavano's first career Opening Day start.

Pavano was informed of the assignment Friday morning by manager Joe Torre. As he spoke to reporters in front of his Legends Field locker, Pavano grinned widely and said it had turned into a pretty good day for him. "The atmosphere in Yankee Stadium is, out of any sports franchise in the history of the game, it's probably the most exciting," Pavano said. "It's going to be fun." Continue

Life of Brian

In the past two days, Brian Cashman has double dipped, taking in minor-league games early in the afternoon and watching his major-league team at night. While on the minor-league side, he mingled with coaches and got in some quality time chatting with touted pitching prospect Joba Chamberlain. Now that he runs all baseball operations - not just in title, but in reality - Cashman feels it is imperative to observe everything including minor-league games with just friends and family in attendance. Cashman's tacit message is that he is both monitoring all that is going on and also that he cares about all of those working for him, not just those paid the big dollars for the big club.

But that is not the most interesting aspect of the two days. What is most noteworthy is how unaffected Cashman's days were by the revelation that George Steinbrenner's eldest daughter, Jennifer, had filed for divorce from Yankee general partner Steve Swindal. That disunion will alter front-office dynamics as Swindal's role is diminished or eliminated and Steinbrenner's children become more involved in day-to-day operations. Continue

A Yankee king losing crown

Once he was the man who would be king of the Yankees. Now Steve Swindal is on the way out - out of his marriage to George Steinbrenner's daughter and out of the running to become the next Boss. Only he may not know it yet. "I'm here. I'm working diligently at my job, preparing for Opening Day," he told the Daily News yesterday. "I'm not going to speculate on anything. I'm just going about my business. I've got a job to do."

Swindal showed up for work at Legends Field in Tampa, even though sources said his father-in-law was about to strip him of his pinstripes. Swindal said he ran into Yankee skipper Joe Torre and other team honchos and nobody told him to scram. Although Swindal said he expects to be in New York on Monday when the Yankees kick off the 2007 season, he's not sure he'll be joining his father-in-law at Yankee Stadium. Continue

Milestone not driving A-Rod

Sometime later this season, Alex Rodriguez will likely join the 500-home run club, adding his name to an exclusive list comprised of less than two dozen players. A-Rod's enthusiasm for the milestone is tempered, however, as he chooses to emphasize the Yankees' goals as a team rather than his own personal numbers.

"The individual stuff has never really been a motivating factor for me," says Rodriguez, who enters this season with 464 career long balls. "Exhibit A is that I was one homer away from the shortstop record (when he moved to third base); it just never really mattered to me." Continue

Mending spree

Staff ace Chien-Ming Wang is still out until the end of next month, but the Yankees' pitching picture continues to get brighter. Even if Carl Pavano being the leading candidate to start Opening Day has many Bomber fans crossing their fingers.

Andy Pettitte threw 31 pitches yesterday in a bullpen session he and Joe Torre were very pleased with. Pettitte showed no signs the back spasms that have sidelined him since March 17 are a problem. Jeff Karstens' right elbow has improved to the point where he will throw today. According to Torre, if Karstens is OK, he has a chance to break camp with the Yankees. Pavano met with Torre, and while he wasn't told he is the Opening Day starter, it's between him and Darrell Rasner to face the Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday afternoon. Continue

Divided, he falls

The Yankees' chain of command, seemingly a source of stability the past year, has taken a major hit. The ramifications might not be clear for a while. Steve Swindal - George Steinbrenner's announced successor - and Steinbrenner's daughter Jenny are divorcing, the Swindals announced yesterday in a joint statement. The parting, while cited as being conducted "amicably," will remove Swindal from his post as The Man Who Would Be Boss.

"George is still The Boss," Howard Rubenstein, Steinbrenner's spokesman, told Newsday last night. "He doesn't intend to retire. The Steinbrenner family will run the Yankees." Asked whether Steve Swindal was still considered part of the Steinbrenner family, Rubenstein responded, "She's divorcing him," referring to Jenny and Steve Swindal, respectively. Continue

Pettitte: 'No chance' back puts me on DL

It's going to take another injury to land Andy Pettitte on the disabled list. "No chance, unless I get hurt," the Yankees pitcher answered when asked about the possibilities of starting the season on the shelf due to the back spasms that have kept him from pitching since March 17. One day after a 25-pitch bullpen session and 24 hours before a second session, Pettitte's back was holding up. "I am feeling a lot, lot better," Pettitte said. "I will throw a good hard pen (today)." Continue

Pavano looks ready to go

It appears all but a formality for the Yankees to name Carl Pavano their Opening Day starter. Pavano did not do anything to take himself out of the mix for that start yesterday. He gave up two earned runs on six hits and a walk in six innings in the Yankees' 3-2 loss to the Twins, getting 14 outs on ground balls, including four double plays. Nothing is official yet, though.

"Because we saw this doesn't mean it automatically makes him a day one starter," manager Joe Torre said. "It's certainly nice to see. He's come a long way. He's come a long way." Continue

Jeter thinks rings are most valuable

Derek Jeter came closer to winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award last year than he ever had. He lost to the Twins' Justin Morneau by 14 points after putting up numbers that rivaled the best in his career. Many made the case that Jeter's 2006 season was superior to any of his other seasons. But he swiftly dismisses that idea: "Me? No. 'Ninety-six, -eight, -nine, 2000." Jeter lists the four years the Yankees won the World Series with him as the shortstop as his best years, without a second of hesitation.

One could say: "But Derek, you had a really good season last year on an individual level. You batted .343, drove in 97 runs, scored 118. You stole 34 bases. And when it mattered most, with runners in scoring position, you hit .381, third best in the American League." Continue

Pettitte's back holds up in session while Iggy impresses Phils & self

Andy Pettitte threw 25 important pitches in the bullpen yesterday, but it was the 87 tosses made by Kei Igawa that may have most calmed the Yankees' fears. Igawa had his finest start of the spring, holding the Phillies to one run over five innings in the Yankees' 5-1 victory at Legends Field. Igawa allowed three hits and walked two, striking out four to increase his team-leading total to 19 in 17 innings this spring.

"I think he's beyond the point of just trying to impress people," Joe Torre said. "Now I think he's understanding what he needs to improve or feel better about going into the season. To me, that's a good step and a good presence for him to have." Igawa allowed just one baserunner the first time through the Phillies' lineup, striking out Chase Utley and getting both Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell to ground out. Continue

Joe: I'd return

Joe Torre yesterday gave a beefy indication he wants to return next year to manage the Yankees. On the way out of a Legends Field bullpen where Andy Pettitte had thrown 25 pitches to start a perfect Florida morning, Torre was asked by The Post if he wanted to work in The Bronx beyond this season.

"I'm enjoying myself," said Torre, beginning his 12th season at the helm of George Steinbrenner's collection of expensive players with super-sized egos. "If that tells you something, then that tells you something." Translated, the 66-year-old Torre, a lame duck at the moment, would like to continue as the Yankees' pilot. Asked if he told Yankees brass he wanted to remain in the dugout, Torre said no, but admitted there have been preliminary talks recently about the subject. Continue

Mound meltdown

Welcome to Staff MRI. When spring training opened, the Yankees' biggest question mark was their starting rotation. Now, one week from Opening Day, that rotation is in tatters and jeopardizing the Yankees' chances of bolting from the gate.

With staff ace Chien-Ming Wang on the shelf until late April at the earliest due to a pulled right hamstring and Andy Pettitte nursing a balky back, Jeff Karstens was yanked yesterday following the second inning of a 9-5 loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium due to a stiff right elbow. Karstens, the likely replacement for Wang, will be examined today and sent for tests on the tender hinge. Continue

Wang's pain is Pavano's gain

Carl Pavano arrived at camp this spring as the Yankees' biggest question mark. When he leaves next week, he might just be their Opening Day starter. No, that's not a misprint, but the result of Chien-Ming Wang's strained hamstring, Andy Pettitte's balky back and Mike Mussina's schedule. "It's Opening Day, but there are 161 other games," Joe Torre said. "It certainly is an important game, but so are the other ones."

Should the Yankees bestow the assignment on Pavano, he would be making his first start for the Yankees since June 27, 2005 - a span of 643 days - due to a multitude of injuries and mishaps. Pavano missed the final three months of the 2005 season with rotator cuff tendinitis, though no structural damage was ever found in his shoulder. He missed most of spring training last year with stiffness in his back, then when it looked like he was ready to return, he suffered a bruised backside while pitching on the final day of the spring. Continue

Moose feeling better than stats show

Of the three original candidates to start Opening Day, Mike Mussina is the last man standing. He won't pitch the opener, though - the Yankees don't want him to go on short rest either in his last exhibition start or his first real start - but at least he is healthy.

Mussina pitched yesterday, giving up four runs, three earned, in six innings in the Yankees' 4-4 tie with the Blue Jays. He allowed seven hits and walked two. Three of the runs off him were scored in the first inning, which was marred by a catcher's interference on Wil Nieves and a hit that Derek Jeter reacted to slowly but usually would reach. Continue

Wang to start season on disabled list

The Yankees will begin the season without the services of ace right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, who suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring while performing conditioning exercises on Friday. Wang, who turns 27 on March 31, is expected to miss at least the first three weeks of the season. "I don't look for him to touch our Major League roster until sometime in late April," general manager Brian Cashman said.

Wang was running sprints following fielding practice at the Yankees' Legends Field complex when he said he felt a "pop" in his right hamstring. The right-hander was sent for an MRI exam on Friday evening, which revealed the strain. Continue

Hamstring halts Wang workout

Back spasms and hamstring cramps generally are not cause for great concern during spring training, but with nine days until Opening Day, those two minor maladies may upset the Yankees' starting rotation. Chien-Ming Wang pulled up lame with a tweak in his right hamstring during conditioning drills yesterday at Legends Field, ending his day earlier than expected. He walked off the field under his own power without much of a limp, heading straight for the trainer's room.

"He just grabbed it like he felt something funny," said Scott Proctor, who was running on the back field with Wang. "It wasn't like he blew it out or anything." Wang also experienced tightness in the hamstring during the first week of camp, but it did not cause him to miss any workouts. He is the second Yankees starter to suffer an injury this week, joining Andy Pettitte, who missed his scheduled start yesterday after experiencing back spasms on Tuesday. Continue

'Pen could become Henn house

When Sean Henn was tagged with a rare fourth option in January, it easily was assumed the lefty reliever's chances of making the Yankees were very long. And they became longer when Ron Villone signed a minor-league contract on the first day of camp that will pay him $2.5 million if the veteran sticks.

Yet, with one week remaining before the Yankees split Florida, Henn, the 25-year-old former starter, has pitched himself into position to unseat Villone as the second lefty in Joe Torre's bullpen. "He hasn't done anything wrong, let's put it that way,'' Torre said of Henn, who didn't allow a hit or run in 1 1/3 innings yesterday at McKechnie Field, where the Yankees lost, 3-2, to the Pirates. Continue

Deal or no deal

Alex Rodriguez had no reaction to Brian Cashman saying the Yankees won't renegotiate his contract and said the GM wasn't responding to a request by agent Scott Boras for an extension. "None, zero," Rodriguez said yesterday when asked if Boras had approached the Yankees about re-doing a contract that the All-Star third baseman can opt out of after the World Series. Rodriguez, who was at his Miami home Tuesday (his off day) and Wednesday (no game), was aware Cashman said something but didn't fully know what was said until filled in by The Post. Continue

Pavano earns Yankee applause

When the Yankees came to camp five weeks ago, there was little doubt that Carl Pavano was the biggest question mark facing the team this season. Having not pitched since June 2005, Pavano had become a punch line in his own clubhouse, with teammates even questioning his desire.

With a little more than one week until Opening Day, Pavano has answered many of those questions, with yesterday's performance marking the latest step toward redemption. "This is what we hoped we would see; he certainly hasn't let us down," Joe Torre said. "The spot was his to have, and he's certainly seized the opportunity." Continue

No A-Rod deal talk

Brian Cashman has said all spring that he won't discuss new contracts for Mariano Rivera or Jorge Posada until the season is over. You can now add Alex Rodriguez to that list. Cashman reiterated his stance yesterday with comments on Sports Illustrated's Web site, saying that he has no plans to discuss an extension with A-Rod, who can opt out of his record $252 million contract after the season. Rodriguez has said he would like to finish his contract - and his career - in New York, but he has left the door open on several occasions when it comes to his option. Cashman, however, refuses to get involved in the option talk. Last week, after A-Rod discussed his options on WFAN, Cashman told the Daily News that the ball was completely in Rodriguez's court in this situation, and that while the Yankees hoped he would stay, it was out of their hands.

"There's nothing I can do about it; it's his opt-out. Whatever it is, it is," Cashman said. "It's all on him. It's his decision." Rodriguez has three years and $81 million remaining on his deal after 2007, but he could opt out and become a free agent, at which time he would likely secure a new multi-year deal in the $160 million-$200 million range. J.D. Drew made a similar move this past winter, opting out of the final three years and $33 million with the Dodgers to ink a five-year, $70 million pact with the Red Sox. Continue

A-Rod will run the option

Alex Rodriguez is as good as gone. I've been saying that since word first surfaced about his opt-out. The Yankees know what's going on and that's why when I mentioned to Brian Cashman yesterday that probably, the best way for the Yankees to look at this entire scenario is that A-Rod is essentially a free agent after the season, and like all free agents, he will try to have a great "walk year,'' - which is good for the 2007 Yankees, Cashman answered with one perfect word.

"Exactly," the GM said. The Yankees are not fooling themselves; they are not getting caught up in this high stakes game of opt-out poker. This situation essentially is what it is - A-Rod is a free agent after the season. Continue

Andy's back aches

The Yankees are unsure how serious the condition is, but a bout of back spasms might be enough for Andy Pettitte to miss his next spring start, which is scheduled for Friday. Pettitte skipped a bullpen session yesterday after hurting his back while doing squats on Monday. Pettitte felt some stiffness while exercising and then his back locked up Monday night. When Pettitte woke up yesterday, his back was still stiff and he took treatment most of yesterday, as well as muscle relaxants.

"I'm pretty locked up," Pettitte said. "I feel like I usually heal up pretty quick. I'm hoping I come in (today) and feel great. I want to try to make my start. I would imagine it would be pushed only a day or two. I want to stay on schedule, but I also realize that it's early. Continue

Igawa has best start to date

On the day Andy Pettitte was held back with back spasms, Kei Igawa stepped up. Igawa produced his best start on these shores, twirling five shutout innings of two-hit ball during the Yankees' 2-0 victory over the Phillies last night. If you want to nitpick, the Japanese import walked three, but he struck out three to run his total to 15 Ks in four starts (12 innings).

Though some in the Japanese media weren't bowled over by the start, Igawa's stuff translated perfectly in the eyes of the Yankees. The 27-year-old lefty solidified his chances of being named the team's No. 5 starter. Continue

Pair of Yanks alive for five

Jeff Karstens can still pitch his way into the Yankees rotation . . . and Kei Igawa can still pitch his way to Triple-A Scranton. At least, manager Joe Torre left open those possibilities yesterday before Karstens had his rockiest start this spring. Afterward, Torre indicated he wants to see Igawa pitch well enough to make the team, so tonight is a huge start for the Japanese lefty.

Karstens was scored upon for the first time in four starts yesterday, but he showed gumption fighting through bad command and bad choices during the Yankees' 9-1 loss to Toronto. "I mean, we want Igawa to be one of the starters," Torre said after the game. "And the only way that wouldn't happen is if we think he could improve here, there, and something that might be difficult to do all at once. Continue

Abreu says he'll be ready

Bobby Abreu will make his spring training debut tonight as the designated hitter. The rightfielder has been sidelined since Feb. 26 with a strained right oblique muscle. Abreu has 11 games before Opening Day to get ready for the season. Will that be enough? "That's the big question for us now," manager Joe Torre said.If Abreu has any difficulties in the next few days that indicate he might need to begin the season on the disabled list, the Yankees will keep him in Tampa to play in minor-league games. But he is confident that he won't need any extra time here. "I'll be ready for Opening Day," Abreu said. If he comes through tonight OK, he will play the field Thursday. The Yankees are off tomorrow. Continue

Moose is on track

A spring training start is rarely afforded status as a "big day" for pitchers who have been in the major leagues for 16 years and own 239 victories. But Mike Mussina thought his five scoreless innings against the Pirates yesterday qualified because the outing was so different from his frustrating previous start, when he allowed three runs in three innings last week against the Reds.

"I threw the ball where I wanted and made adjustments I couldn't make last time," Mussina said. "I could give myself more time - I just wasn't giving myself enough time to get my arm where I needed it to be. Every throw was work. This was more smooth and it didn't take as much out of me. "This was a big day. It was important to feel more like I was pitching than just throwing, I think, for everybody's peace of mind - for Joe (Torre's) peace of mind, (Brian) Cashman's peace of mind, (Ron) Guidry's peace of mind." continue

Giambi happy guy after slam

Jason Giambi broke out of a sluggish spring at the plate in a big way yesterday. Giambi ripped a fourth-inning grand slam off Pittsburgh Pirates lefty Zach Duke to break open the game en route to an 8-1 Yankees win. Giambi belted the ball just inside the rightfield foul pole. It was his third home run of spring training, but he entered the game hitting only .167 (5-for-30) with four RBIs.

Considering that Giambi underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist in October and was unable to do as much offseason work as usual, he is very pleased. "I'm excited where I'm at," he said. "I thought it'd be a little longer." Continue

Andy would be fine even if he ends up no. 5

Chien-Ming Wang is the way to bet when it comes to being Joe Torre's Opening Day starter against the Devil Rays. Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina will fall in after Wang, but if Torre wants to use Pettitte fifth, it's OK with the veteran lefty.

"It's always an honor, and that would be special," Pettitte said of pitching the first game of the season that will be played at Yankee Stadium. "But for me, that first start for me is going to be like my Opening Day. It will be special for me to get back on the mound." If Pettitte could duplicate his performance yesterday against the Phillies at Brighthouse Field, the Yankees would take it for all 30 or so starts they hope he makes. In five shutout innings, he allowed two runs, fanned four and didn't issue a walk. Continue

Abreu OK after BP, could play Thursday

Bobby Abreu took batting practice on the field yesterday for the first time since straining his right oblique and, after a wary first few swings, completed the workout with no problems, giving him two consecutive days of painless hitting. "He even had a couple semi-check swings," Joe Torre said. "He had a full session and he didn't look like he was favoring (the injury). Once he felt comfortable, he was fine."

The Yankees are hoping Abreu can return to game action Thursday or perhaps earlier, which would give him roughly 10 days of spring games. But Torre doesn't plan to rush things with the 33-year-old outfielder. "You're going to go slow even during the season," Torre added. "A setback is usually a pretty good setback, but you never really know for sure till you play in games. A check swing is something you can't practice." Continue

Only relief is Carl's healthy

When Carl Pavano utters a phrase like, "I felt a little funky out there," in a postgame interview session, that's usually time for Yankee executives to wince and team trainers to reach for their medical kits. But on a windy day that was unusual in other ways, nothing strange happened to the fragile Pavano, who wasn't brilliant against the Phillies but wasn't awful, injured or absent, either, which is progress of sorts in his attempt to revive his career.

Pavano allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in three innings and took the loss as the Yankees fell, 3-2. Andy Pettitte started the game and threw five scoreless innings, giving up only two hits while striking out four in a performance Joe Torre called "as economical as you can get." Continue

Abreu pleased after BP

Bobby Abreu took the first small steps toward returning to action Friday when he took batting practice in the cage at Legends Field in Tampa before the Yankees played the Astros here.

Abreu, who strained the oblique muscle in his right side Feb. 26, has said all along that he plans to be ready for Opening Day. "The progress is real good," said Abreu, who took 55 swings and estimated he is at 60 to 70 percent. "I started at zero, and now I don't feel any pain at all." Manager Joe Torre said Abreu should need about 10 days of games to be ready for the April 2 season opener; the Yankees have an off-day Wednesday, and if Abreu can return after that, he'll get exactly 10. Continue

Springing ahead without Bernie

With only two weeks remaining in spring training, the chances of Bernie Williams donning a Yankee uniform this season have dwindled to "a very, very long shot," Joe Torre said yesterday. "Only because spring training would've been so important for him and for us, to put things together," Torre added.

Williams has not returned the two calls Torre made at the beginning of camp, so the only closure the Yankees have had is Williams' silence. Torre doubts that his old center fielder will play for another team. "That doesn't mean it won't happen, but if he was going to, I think it would've happened already," Torre said. Continue

Kei: Many K's, BBs

The Yankees committed $46 million to Japanese lefthander Kei Igawa during the offseason - $26 million in posting fees and a five-year, $20-million contract. They did so with the thought that Igawa would lock up a spot in the starting rotation from now through 2011. But at this point, the 27-year-old still is trying to win a place in the Opening Day rotation.Igawa worked in and out of trouble last night in a 3-2 victory over the Braves at Legends Field. He pitched three scoreless innings but had trouble staying in the strike zone. Continue

Normalcy will return when Alex is in Anaheim

The last time Alex Rodriguez was a free agent, he followed the money into baseball Siberia. For $252 million, he abandoned bright lights and big teams to accept employment where "Friday Night Lights," Saturday college football and Sunday with the Cowboys all towered over the major-league team.

The money was vital enough that A-Rod and his power agent, Scott Boras - not by accident - exactly doubled the pre-existing North American team athlete record of $126 million by Kevin Garnett. So the idea that A-Rod will shun a market in which a mediocrity such as Gil Meche can get $55 million is folly. Rodriguez went to the Rangers after the 2000 season for the money, period. And the money is going to be too seductive to ignore after this year. Continue

Joe: No one knows Alex's future

Alex Rodriguez reiterated his stance yesterday that he has no intentions of opting out of his contract at the end of the season, but Joe Torre isn't sure that his third baseman has any idea what the future has in store for him. "I'm not sure he knows that answer yet," Torre said of A-Rod's option, which allows him to void the final three years of his contract and become a free agent.

Rodriguez opened the door for his potential departure on Tuesday, telling WFAN that this season was a "do-or-die situation" for him. "Either New York is going to kick me out of New York this year, say 'I've had enough of this guy, get him the hell out of here,' and we have an option," Rodriguez said in the radio interview. "Or New York is going to say, 'Hey, we won a world championship, you had a big year, you were a part of it and we want you back.'" Continue

A-Rod: Love me ... or else

Alex Rodriguez has a message for his hometown fans: It's up to you, New York. During an interview on WFAN yesterday, A-Rod opened the door for his departure from the Bronx at the end of the season, saying that the upcoming year was a crucial one when it came to his future in pinstripes.

"It's a do or die situation," Rodriguez said. "Either New York is going to kick me out of New York this year, say 'I've had enough of this guy, get him the hell out of here,' and we have an option. Or New York is going to say, 'Hey, we won a world championship, you had a big year, you were a part of it and we want you back.'" A-Rod stressed his desire to finish his career as a Yankee, but his words did nothing to erase the possibility that he will exercise his option to become a free agent at the end of the year. Continue

Yanks not shopping Pavano

An executive whose team is interested in acquiring Carl Pavano said yesterday he does not believe the Yankees will trade the righty this spring. Nevertheless, the team scouted Pavano's Monday start against Boston and reported a positive outcome.

"He was free and easy, which is a big deal considering his injury history,'' the executive said. "His fastball was good, better than anticipated." The report also was that Pavano threw his slider and splitter well on occasion in allowing two runs in three innings. Perhaps most important is that the righty reported no physical issues yesterday. Continue

Pavano moving up in Joe's eyes

Joe Torre sounded even more pleased than Carl Pavano was with the oft-injured righthander's outing last night against the Red Sox at City of Palms Park. It wasn't so much Pavano's statistical line that impressed Torre as the way Pavano went about his work."He looked like he was free and easy," Torre said, "and that's what I care about. I didn't really care about results. I just liked how he looked."

Pavano pitched three innings, allowing four hits, a walk and two earned runs and striking out two. And he did it in the closest approximation of a regular-season game one can get in spring training. Continue

With no animosity, Mo closes public discussion on contract extension

The contract controversy has slid under the radar, as you knew it would. Mariano Rivera is not exactly Gary Sheffield when it comes to feeling disrespected, so while it was rather stunning that he made his contract an issue at all when spring training opened, no one is surprised that he has barely mentioned it since then. It's just not his style to be self-absorbed.

"It's like I always tell the guys," Rivera was saying yesterday. "Be humble and remember where you came from." Rivera says he has not spoken with Brian Cashman since the Yankee GM told him a few weeks ago he would prefer to wait until after this season, when Rivera's contract expires, to talk about next year and beyond. "I'm OK with that," Rivera said. "I've put that behind me." Continue

Hughes is shelled but relishes time

Phil Hughes may have made his final outing for the Yankees this spring, and while he was hit around a little by the Indians yesterday at Legends Field, the young fireballer feels that his experience this past month has been extremely valuable. Hughes allowed three runs on four hits and three walks in just 1-1/3 innings, struggling with his command. "You look and see 1-1/3 innings, but I threw six innings worth of pitches," Hughes said. "It's not like I'm not getting my work in just because I'm throwing an inning. I'm still getting my arm strength up and my pitch count."

Joe Torre will start making cuts tomorrow, as players will be assigned to minor-league camp. Hughes could be among them, as the Yankees' starting pitchers will begin throwing five innings per outing, leaving little room for him to get his work in to prepare for his own Triple-A season. Continue

Tight wrist no problem for Wang

Chien-Ming Wang's tight right wrist was news to Joe Torre and GM Brian Cashman so it's not believed to be an issue. However, Wang admitted the hinge was tight after a four-inning stint against the Indians yesterday at Legends Field.

"It's tight because I threw more pitches," said Wang, who fired a spring-high 61 chucks. Nobody from the medical staff alerted Torre or Cashman about a potential problem. "I don't know anything about it," Torre said. Cashman echoed his manager, saying, "No one talked to me about Wang." Continue

Iggy hop

Kei Igawa doesn't have Jeff Karstens' breath warming the back of his neck. However, with a shade under three weeks left in spring training, the beginning of a competition for the No. 5 starter spot is developing regardless of Igawa being better yesterday in his second start than first. When the Yankees invested $46 million in Igawa - $26 million to get the negotiating rights; $20 million across five years to sign him - he instantly went to the back end of Joe Torre's rotation. Continue

Pavano's back in business

Carl Pavano will take the mound tomorrow night in Fort Myers against the Red Sox, looking to get back to baseball after a difficult weekend. Pavano left Legends Field less than an hour before his scheduled start Friday night, rushing off to tend to an emergency medical situation involving his fiancée, Gia Allemand.

Pavano returned shortly after noon yesterday, throwing a 10-minute bullpen session. He even displayed a little humor, asking a reporter if he wanted to stand in as a hitter while he threw. As he left the bullpen, he stopped briefly to chat with reporters, though he said he would answer only baseball-related questions. Continue

Pavano scratched

Carl Pavano's troubled time with the Yankees continued on two fronts Friday. Because of a personal problem, the righthander was scratched from his start and left Legends Field 45 minutes before game time, and word got out that he is being sued for a car accident last August that the police report said was his fault.

Pavano was to make his second start of spring training at 7:15 Friday night against the Devil Rays. At about 6:30 p.m., he approached manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Ron Guidry to tell them of a personal situation of concern to him. Moments later, director of media relations Jason Zillo announced that Pavano had left the building and would not pitch because of personal reasons. Continue

Igawa gets 2nd chance

Kei Igawa takes the mound in Bradenton against the Pirates today, looking to make a better impression on his new team than he did in his first start five days ago. Igawa struggled with his command during his first outing, giving up two runs on two hits and three walks in one-plus inning against the Tigers on Monday. Joe Torre hopes that the lefthander won't try to do too much today to make up for that subpar start, since it's still early in spring training.

"We'll do whatever we can not to pile on; we've got a long way to go," Torre said. "I know Gator (pitching coach Ron Guidry) is certainly trying to get the point across to him to keep it light, but when he goes out there, there's a pride factor. When you come to a new ballclub, especially in a new country, you want to make an impression." The Yankees invested a little more than $46 million in the Japanese hurler, paying more than $26 million for his posting fee before giving him a five-year, $20 million contract. Continue

Another Manny?

Yankees outfield prospect Jose Tabata is only 18 years old. Yet his talent and potential have led scouts to liken him to a young Manny Ramirez. Even general manager Brian Cashman had to stop himself from drawing that comparison when he was asked which major-leaguer Tabata has the potential to be like.

"In fairness to the kid, he's just got to continue to make his own name," Cashman said. "He's got high-end ability. I won't say [Ramirez] pops into my mind. That's what I keep hearing other people say about him. There's only one Manny. A guy like Manny comes along, it seems, like once every 40 years. It'd be nice to say that you've got another one on the way, but it would be disrespectful to someone of Manny's abilities." Tabata himself has heard the "Baby Manny" talk. He appreciates the compliment but would rather do what Cashman advised and make his own name. Continue

Cashman insists he has no radar on Rocket

Brian Cashman reiterated his interest in bringing Roger Clemens back to the Bronx, but the Yankees' GM stressed that Wednesday night's visit by Clemens to Legends Field was not a sign that the two sides were close to a deal. "Just like last year, if he wants to play, and he wants to play for the Yankees, we have an interest," Cashman said yesterday. "It's the exact same situation. Right now, he's not ready to make any decisions. He knows we're interested." Continue

Loose Moose

Mike Mussina's missing arm strength will surface at some point, although don't expect mid-90 readings. His ability to paint the corners will return. And he is a good bet to win 12-15 games this season if he avoids injury.

However, two starts into the exhibition season, Mussina looks like exactly what he is: a 38-year-old hurler working his arm into game shape. "I had to work a little bit today," Mussina said following a three-inning stint against the Braves in which he gave up two runs and four hits in a 5-3 Yankees victory. "But it's still the first 10 days of March. It's still new." Continue

Rocket pops in

Roger Clemens made an appearance at his old spring training home last night, but the Rocket seems no closer to making a decision on his baseball future than he has been all winter. Clemens said it "still holds true" that he likely won't decide until May whether to pitch in 2007, though his agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, are keeping him up to date on all teams' interest in his services. "My position has not changed, whatsoever," said Clemens, who will consider the Yankees, Red Sox and Astros if he decides to return this season. Continue

Pettitte unhurt by bat sliver

The Yankees got a scare in the first inning when starter Andy Pettitte was hit on the left ring finger by a flying piece of Reds leftfielder Chris Denorfia's broken bat. Players, the trainer and manager Joe Torre rushed to the mound, as Pettitte knelt on all fours, shaking his hand in pain. But Pettitte turned out to be fine, even talking Torre into allowing him to remain in the game. "They wanted to pull me, but I knew it would stop throbbing in a little bit," Pettitte said. Said Torre: "He understands. He's been around long enough to know the most important thing is getting in shape and staying healthy." Continue

Hughes potential

The shoulder tap is coming. It may be June or September or a year from now. But if there was ever a lock bet in sports, Philip Hughes being told he is going to the big leagues is it. "I told him at some point somebody will tap you on the shoulder and say, 'It's your turn,'" Joe Torre said yesterday at Chain Of Lakes Park. Torre has also told Hughes not to expect that tap this spring. Before the 20-year-old future of the organization threw a pitch in a bullpen session, Torre instructed Hughes he was going to start the season in Triple-A. Continue

Igawa can't find the plate

So far, the first impression of the Yankees' latest pitching acquisition, Kei Igawa, has been uneven at best. The Japanese lefthander, in whom the Yankees invested $46 million, struggled against the Tigers yesterday, consistently leaving his pitches up during a rocky one-inning-plus.After giving up two runs, two hits and three walks and striking out three, Igawa said through his interpreter that he isn't worried by his lack of control because this is normal for him around now.

"This is the same as Japan," he said. "Right now usually at this time, my pitches are usually high." Joe Torre said the lack of command might be attributed to feeling "anxious." Jorge Posada said Igawa was "overstriding ... His body was ahead of his arm." Continue

Mo pitches in

Mariano Rivera made his spring debut yesterday, throwing a perfect inning against the Tigers. Rivera struck out Brent Clevlen and Brandon Inge, then got Sean Casey to ground out back to the mound. "Everything was good," said Rivera, who threw just 13 pitches. "I felt real good." Rivera will throw every two or three days through the rest of the month, pitching roughly 10 innings. His forearm injury from last September did not flare up at all. Continue

Murcer : I'll be back

Talking with the strong voice fans have loved for decades, Bobby Murcer vowed to be at Yankee Stadium this year to work for YES. "I plan on being back with the network for sure during Yankee games," Murcer said yesterday from his Oklahoma City home, where he watched the Tigers-Yankees game on YES.

"That's what I love to do, and nothing is going to stop me from doing that. I am not sure exactly when I will be back. They have been very gracious to me, the network and the Yankees. They have said, 'Make sure that when you do come back that you are strong and you are healthy. That's the main thing we want you to do before you come back to television.' " Continue

Yanks reach out to Murcer

Reggie Jackson and Gene Michael were talking about Bobby Murcer Saturday at Legends Field when Jackson suggested he phone Murcer at home in Oklahoma. "I said, 'Not now.' I didn't think it was a good idea," Michael said. "But it turned out great. Reggie got him on the phone and then we all talked to him. It was good to hear his voice."

After Mr. October and "Stick" finished, the phone was passed to Joe Torre and Yogi Berra. Then it was handed to captain Derek Jeter. "He was great, very upbeat," Michael said of Murcer, who recently completed chemotherapy sessions and radiation treatments in Houston for a brain tumor and has returned home to Oklahoma. "It was very good to talk to him." Continue

Pavano's able to start over

Carl Pavano and Ron Guidry were talking before the righthander's start yesterday and the pitcher admitted, "I'm a little worked up." Guidry, the Yankees' pitching coach, told Pavano not to make too much out of a spring training outing. Both chuckled.

Who could blame Pavano for fretting? There was no getting around the simple truth about his start against the Phillies. It may have come during the laid-back, early days of spring training, when players with soaring uniform numbers still dot the lineups, but it was a chance to start proving a few things to the Yankees after two lost years in pinstripes. Perhaps to himself, too. Continue

A-Rod wants to opt out of speculation

Alex Rodriguez knows the speculation about his opt-out clause is going to be there all season. He knows there will be more days like Friday, when this newspaper put him on the back page and proclaimed that he sounded like a "future Cub" because he praised his former manager, Lou Piniella, in an interview with HBO.

Yet he seems at ease with all of it, which you have to think is a good sign for the Yankees' season. Even while saying yesterday that anybody who thinks he's going to the Cubs next season "couldn't be more wrong," A-Rod shrugged off the latest headline as part of the New York existence that he insists he loves more than ever. Continue

Cano, Wang not offered long deals

Despite Chien-Ming Wang winning 19 games a year ago and developing into the staff ace and Robinson Cano being an All-Star and finishing third in the AL batting race, the Yankees aren't offering them multi-year deals.

The Yankees have sent the agents for Wang and Cano one-year contracts. Wang's is for slightly more than $500,000 and Cano's is just shy of the $500,000 mark. The players have until March 11 to sign them or their contracts will be renewed at a lower price. "I don't know yet,'' Wang said when asked if he would sign it. Cano said the contract was sent to his agent, Bobby Barrett, and that he will sign it. Asked if he was OK with not getting a multi-year offer for bigger dollars, Cano said, "It's all right, my day will come." Continue

Mussina fast and furious in spring debut

Mike Mussina won eight of his first nine decisions last season, and Joe Torre believes the fast start was due in part to Mussina concentrating on throwing his fastball during spring training.

So Torre was happy yesterday when Mussina threw a lot of fastballs in his two-inning stint in a 4-3 victory over the Pirates at Legends Field. "That's why he started so well last year, because he used his fastball and built up his arm strength," Torre said. Of course, the sometimes-cranky Mussina felt like his pitches weren't exceptionally fast yesterday, saying, "I felt like it was going about 81 miles an hour out of my hand." Continue

Andy caps off return

The cap was pulled down low and Andy Pettitte's eyes were just visible over the top of his glove as he peered toward home plate to read the catcher's signals. The moment before each pitch was a flashback to the Yankees' past, to the tight television shots of Pettitte's face as he worked each October.

But Pettitte's spring debut yesterday was also a glimpse of the Yankees' present. Pettitte is back in the Bronx and more mature, according to Joe Torre, and a little wiser, according to the pitcher himself. Continue

Running hot & cold

A colossal heat pad smothered Derek Jeter's left elbow while he sat listening to tunes in the visitor's clubhouse at Progress Energy Park yesterday. Following the Yankees' 3-1 victory over the Devil Rays, his elbow was packed in ice. "It's normal spring maintenance," said Jeter, who wouldn't admit to a serious problem if there were one. Asked what he was maintaining, Jeter said, "My inside-out swing." Continue

A-Rod talkin' like Mr. Cub

While Alex Rodriguez has demonstrated a penchant for self-analysis, the media has provided ample evidence that this is a two-way couch. We hang on A-Rod's every word. The season is still a month away from opening. Look what already has happened. Rodriguez held that circus-like book signing at Barnes & Noble. Then, there he was in Tampa revising the description of his relationship with Derek Jeter.

This was followed by analysis of the "friendship." Media Freuds said the process of baring his soul was good for Mr. Rodriguez. They described it as a "cleansing." Measuring A-Rod's words and actions has taken on added importance in determining his future. This is apparent even to those who speak before they think. The door to hyperinterpretation has been left wide open by Rodriguez and his agent Scott Boras. Continue

Wang wows, Phil phlops

Chien-Ming Wang got things started by inducing a ground ball, and he was followed by a so-so outing from phenom Phil Hughes in his spring debut. It was the Yankees' lineup that really got things going, with a home run courtesy of Johnny Damon. With that, the chase for No. 27 was officially underway. "We only have 210 more games," Damon said. "I'm looking forward to it." The Yankees opened their spring schedule yesterday with a 6-1 beating of the Twins at Legends Field, as a sellout crowd watched the Bombers begin in style. Continue

Pavano set to take hill

It's been a long time since you've read these words: Carl Pavano will make his next scheduled start. After throwing well in the bullpen yesterday and experiencing no problem with his left foot, the oft-injured rig