Yankees baseball blog

Joba expects to start

Joba Chamberlain's eyes are set squarely on the fifth spot in the Yankees' rotation.

The right-handed pitcher told The Post last night that he will arrive in Tampa next week -- well before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training -- with the idea he's a starting pitcher for 2010. Team brass has told him to have that mindset.

But Chamberlain also said he isn't taking anything for granted knowing that Phil Hughes and Alfredo Aceves, among others, are chasing the same carrot.

"I'm going to go in and understand a lot of guys are fighting for that spot," Chamberlain said after an autograph signing in New Rochelle in conjunction with Steiner Sports. "Nothing is guaranteed." Continue

Winn in, Damon out

The Yankees have known for more than a month — since they agreed to terms with Nick Johnson on Dec. 17 — that Johnny Damon was a long shot to return. Yesterday, with the commitment to Randy Winn, that long shot turned into a virtual no-shot.

Winn, 35, agreed to a one-year, $2-million contract with the Yankees, pending a physical examination. A switch hitter, he’ll serve primarily as the righthanded component of a platoon with Brett Gardner, either in leftfield or in centerfield (with Curtis Granderson shifting to left). Continue

Damon the $2 million dollar man?

Johnny can come marching home again, but only on the cheap.

The Yankees have spoken with Johnny Damon's agent, Scott Boras, in recent days about the possibility of a Bronx encore for the outfielder -- even though club officials aren't exactly holding their breath.

With only $2 million or so remaining in the Yankees' budget (perhaps a few extra dollars would be available in incentives), Damon is expected to say "No" one final time and hope for a better offer elsewhere.

An Internet report yesterday indicated Damon had been given the weekend to decide on returning. However, general manager Brian Cashman denied that was the case. Continue