This boggled my mind at the time. I was amazed that there was no consideration of Guerrerro at the time. He is better in all facets of the game than Sheffield ever was.

Having seen Guerrerro many times as he played his double a ball in my hometown, I know that he is a quiet and private person, and would have no interest in the circus that surrounds NY teams.

Lieber will likely be the guy dealt, and apparently there are several teams willing to overpay for him. By the way, Brett Meyers has volunteered to be considered for a closer role, which I don't see happening. According to one report, that would then put Lieber in the rotation, and Tom Gordon would be sent to Boston.

THAT better NOT happen. I love Flash and wish he never left New York. He's a 1,000 times better than Farnsworth and would be PISSED if he went to the real Evil Empire

We'd love to have Lieber back. It was retarded to let him go, especially since he had proven to be a solid mid-rotation guy in the AL East. As Carl Pavano, Kevin Brown, Randy Johnson, Jaret Wright, etc. all prove, that is an increasingly rare commodity.

Tom Gordon's Stats


Kyle Farnsworth's Stats


The WHIP's say it all. Farnsworth has had a WHIP consistently around 1.300, while Gordon has been a bit better, around 1.200. In fact, Gordon's WHIP his last year with the Yankees was a 1.091.

Getting rid of Flash was stupid, but I think Cashman has the age factor in mind. Farnsworth, if he can stay consistent, should be dynamite for another few years, until some of our prospects turn the corner.

Yankees Mussina Still Struggling; Yankees Notebook



I feel so bad for Donnie Baseball, I hope that he and his family can get through this tragic time.

So far, these are my thoughts on Spring Training:

- Phil Hughes needs time to develop in AAA.

- As of right now, Ben Davis should win the backup catchers job. It doesn't mean he will. I still think Torre will go with Pratt.

- Kei Igawa should start the season as the 4th starter, and alternate as a reliever if necessary.

- Jose Tabata may be scary good.

- Jeff Karstens or Darrell Rasner deserve the 5th starter spot. Karstens still can be moved freely between AAA and MLB, but Karstens is out of options. The Nats, who lost him on waivers to the Yankees last year, have already said they'll snatch him back up if he heads onto the wire, so the Yankees need to either play him or move him.

- Josh Phelps has won the backup first-baseman job. His bat is better than anyone we're considering, including Mientkeiwicz.

- Carl Pavano should be shipped out with a package for Mark Texiera as soon as possible.

- Matsui will return to his old form.

BTW - For those who want to see Karstens pitch, he's going to start the game tonight against Minnesota (SB, I12?), and will be televised on YES at 7 PM (ET).

Thanks, DJ. I'll make sure to watch. It's so great to have baseball back, even if the games don't count yet.

Thanks for the invite but unfortunately I can't. I don't have YES down in texas. I have to wait until games are on ESPN until I'm back in the great state of New York in late May/early June

Touchy subject
Torre hasn't discussed opt-out clause with A-Rod

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees manager Joe Torre hasn't spoken with Alex Rodriguez about the opt-out clause in the New York third baseman's contract.

Rodriguez, a two-time AL MVP, is entering the seventh season of his 10-year, $252 million contract, a deal he signed with the Texas Rangers. He can opt out of the agreement after the season and become a free agent.

"I hope he doesn't add that to everything he has to deal with at this point in time. It's tough enough playing this game without looking for the finish line to soon," Torre said before Wednesday night's game against Minnesota.

"Whatever the result is at the end, you have to make a decision. I'm sure he's going to be asked on a daily basis about what's going to happen at the end. I know it's not going to be easy for him to say I'm not thinking about it."

Rodriguez told reporters Tuesday night that he wanted "100 percent stay in New York. Period." In an interview earlier Tuesday on WFAN radio's Mike and the Mad Dog program, Rodriguez indicated the fans reaction this season could be a determining factor.

"The fans are a pretty good indication on a daily basis on how they feel about you," Torre said. "But again, they're here to enjoy themselves. They're not here to necessarily make you feel good about yourself. They're going to give you an instant reaction to how you're doing."

Torre believes many of the questions involving A-Rod would subside if he joined the likes of former Denver quarterback John Elway, who won a Super Bowl late in his Hall of Fame career.

"I think a big portion of all the questions that are being asked would go away," Torre said. "Elway, to me, was a perfect example of a Hall of Famer that always had a but attached to his name."

Source: SI

Who gives a shit? A-Rod doesn't want to be here, and if he's so emotionally fragile that he has to issue an ultimatum to fans that its "up to them" whether he stays or not...good riddance. I honestly think now that A-Rod thinks he is better than he is. His defense (as shown last night) is lacking; he's one of the worst defensive third basemen in the league (stats wise). His offense is good, but is it A-Rod good? No. It's also not worth the huge contract.

I say we go back to the old formula - get someone at the hot corner who can play defense...maybe we can give Scott Brosius a call. Hell, Graig Nettles would be better at this point.

You hit on a good point. While A-Rod was a great defensive shortstop, and I have to believe still is, third base is a completely different position. Whereas greatness at shortstop largely emphasizes range and speed, third base emphasizes reaction, and frequently involves the hardest ground ball to field- the hard hit ball hit right at you at point blank range.

Few shortstops can make the successful conversion to third base. I don't think A-Rod was ever fully comfortable there.

I remember an all-star game where Ripken, then a thirdbaseman (who made the transition pretty well), entered the game with A-Rod at short. A-Rod spontaneously flipped positions with him in a nice gesture, and casually remarked after the game how different it was for him to be at third base. He is an incredible athlete, who may still improve defensively at third, but the best thirdbasemen seem to be naturals.

My biggest problem isn't even his defensive skills, which, if his offensive production was what it should be, would make up for it. He can be a mediocre third baseman. What he can't be is a mediocre hitter.

Of course, mediocre in this lineup is relative, but I'd almost rather have a gritty defensive player (Miguel Cabrera would be ideal, of course) with some offensive skills, but leaning more towards speed and utility than power hitting, rather than A-Rod.

A trip inside Gary Sheffield

Gary Sheffield has always approached the pulpit with the same hammer and tongs he takes to the plate.

Yet for all of his bat-waggling brutality and fire-breathing bluntness, Sheffield speaks in hushed tones, with a cool confidence. He knows you can't shut him up even if you wanted to.

And you don't.

This is what makes Sheffield uniquely suited to serve as a tour guide through the good, the bad, and the steroid that is modern major league baseball in his memoir "Inside Power" (Crown, April 3).

With a pen as punishing as his bat and as provocative as its proprietor, Sheffield writes about not knowing his real father, handling the finger-numbing fastballs of uncle and backyard throwing mate Dwight Gooden (and the off-field temptations that derailed his uncle's playing career), and dealing with some of the game's most feared execs -- often without the help of an agent -- during his seven-team, 19-year career inside the wicked business of baseball.

That spirit reared its head during a recent conversation about some of the topics covered in his book, including the travails of playing in pinstripes, steroids and racism in baseball, his troubled uncle's plight, and his penchant for telling the brutal truth.


Alipour: From the feedback you've gotten, what is shaping up to be the most controversial revelation in the book?

Sheffield: I think it's actually my departure from the Yankees. People think I'm bitter and angry that I left, but I was just talking about the conditions of what went on.

In the book, you give much love to your teammates, but you were quite critical of the organization, which you call "The Corporation." How do you look back on your time with the Yankees?

There's a lot of things that go on there that you don't know until you get there. I heard stories about how they're a first-class organization. That they're everything you want in playing for a team. I'm not saying they're not first-class. But I've played for teams that were family-oriented organizations. They made you feel like family. The Yankees are strictly a business. Baseball is your life and everything else is secondary.

So if a player came to you for advice on playing with the Yankees, what would you tell him?


If winning is everything to you, go there. If it's not, don't. If you can't handle everything else that comes with it, it's not the place for you. There are things that you have to deal with every day, until the next pitch is thrown. So I'd say, if you're not mentally strong, if you don't have a deaf ear to a lot of things, don't go there.

You write that much of that is due to the cozy relationship between the New York press and George Steinbrenner. You also call The Boss "cold-blooded" and Torre "an owner's manager," as opposed to "a players' manager." What would you tell that player about dealing with The Corporation itself?

Stay out of their way. The Corporation is bigger than any one person. It's not something you can do damage to. Just stay out of their way. As long as you protect yourself, and keep another door open, keeping in mind how many years you want to play and not leaving the Yankees as damaged goods, then you'll be fine.

You assign some blame to Joe Torre for the Yankees' quick ouster …

No, one thing I did not do is "blame." I might've said what's on my mind, but I don't blame anyone.

Well, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but in the book, you criticize Torre …

See, that's not blaming. You show me where I blamed him.




OK, gotcha. You criticized Torre for dropping A-Rod to eighth in the order and benching you in Game 3 (against Detroit). Is that fair?

That's saying what Corporate America -- or any person in America -- saw. That when I wasn't playing and A-Rod is hitting eighth, something is wrong. If something is wrong, who writes the lineup? Joe Torre writes the lineup. I'm not really blaming. I'm telling you factual stuff.

At the moment, seems everybody is caught up in the Jeter and A-Rod dynamic. What are your thoughts on your two former teammates and their relationship?

I don't know how they were before, but in my three years there, I haven't seen a change in their relationship. As far as I'm concerned, I saw a good working relationship.

You wrote that you used anger, or "the rage," as fuel, particularly in the early stages of your career. How did anger help you? Because it was like a fight to me. When you challenge me, I like my chances in a fistfight. On the field, I use the same approach. I'm going to win. And I'll do it by any means necessary. If you're not willing to go that route, don't come my way.

You certainly approached the business of baseball that way. You've chosen to represent yourself in recent deals and you wrote vivid accounts about slamming the door on [former Dodgers chairman, managing partner, and CEO] Bob Daley and Steinbrenner. How did being "a fighter" help you in business?

It helped me because I wasn't intimidated that they had a ton of money. You can't just use me. I won't allow that. I let that be known to Daley and Steinbrenner. On the outside, people called me arrogant. But I do business aggressively to benefit me, and they do the same to benefit them, so we can find a middle ground.

As time went on, you sought what you call "The Calmness." Have you finally found that calmness?


I found it. That's the thing. If you have that in you, nothing can trigger you. I might have dealt with things differently when I was, like, 25, but when I go through something now, I look at the source and deal with it accordingly.

You've got a reputation for expressing the brutal truth, so now that you've found The Calmness, do you have any specific regrets as a mature, calm adult?

Not at all. Because the rage was in me, and if it wasn't for the rage, then I wouldn't know how to be calm. They feed off of each other. Just like when Malcolm X fed off Martin Luther King. They needed each other.

You credit your former teammate Terry Pendleton with helping you find The Calmness through God. How did God help you?

Terry Pendleton is a guy I watched closely. Even if he'd get upset, he'd deal with it a different way. Finding God was a major step in my life. You start to understand that a lot of things happen for a reason, and you know it before they happen, and when they happen, you know exactly who to turn to and how to deal with it.

In the book, you blamed race for some management decisions -- like when the Brewers moved you to third base so Billy Spiers could play your preferred position of shortstop, and when the Marlins made Jeff Conine their "posterboy" and not you. Do you still feel race is an issue in baseball?


Jeff Conine is a good friend of mine, but that's an example. I've been the best player on every team that I played on, so if I can't be the poster child of your team, then what else is it? It's got to be a black-white issue. Every white player I know who's the best player on their team is the poster child of that team. But you need to know when to fight your battles. It's a part of society.

You wrote that Derek Jeter is well-liked because he's biracial. You feel that helps in the clubhouse?

It doesn't have everything to do with it. It also has to do with him being a quality person. That's what I look at first. But when a black player walks in the room, he's got to fit in with what's in there: a majority of whites. We don't ever walk in a room and already fit in. I ain't never heard of that. I've seen squeaky-clean black players walk in the room and people ask me, "What kind of guy is he?" But when a white player walks in the room, nobody ever asked me that question.

You wrote at length about your close relationship with your uncle, Doc Gooden, a man who saw his can't-miss Hall of Fame career unravel due to drug abuse. You wrote that he was never "a fighter" like yourself. How, in your mind, did that hurt him?

He got walked over. He let corporate America use him. If somebody tells you what to say and how to say it, is that really you? I was there when he was doing interviews and I saw the Mets' PR department telling him what to say. He was their poster child. He was "Doctor K." The Michael Jordan of baseball. So I studied him, and thought, "OK, when I make it, how is it going to benefit me to be told what to say? How can I go home and live with that?" He wasn't being himself. He got caught up in a character: "Doc." But he's Dwight. He became his nickname. Now, Doc is on drugs, and he's about to kill Dwight. That's what happened. I've been called "Sheff," but I'll always be Gary. That's who I am.

Speaking of, you never had a cool nickname. They riffed off the cooking show and called you "Iron Sheff" for a while, but that's kind of weak.

[Laughs] And if I let them call me that, I'd believe it, and then I'd think I could run through walls and stuff. I take it in jest, but when I get off the field, I'm back to normal.

You write a vivid account of your workout with Barry Bonds and your link to the steroids controversy. You have said that you never knowingly took steroids. But while working out with Bonds after the 2001 season, you wrote that you received some cream from his trainer Greg Anderson -- which you applied to some busted stitches -- and you also took some vitamins from Bonds, who got them from Anderson, who got them from BALCO head Victor Conte. Later, you made a check out to BALCO, linking you to this scandal forever. For the record, were those substances -- the vitamins and cream -- tainted? And if not, how can you be sure?

I know they weren't tainted. Tell me how rubbing something on me will make you feel any different? That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. Tell me this: Have you ever gone to a store and had a steroid-based cream put on you?

Can't say that I have.

OK then, so are you on steroids?

No.

OK, that's my point. If it's that simple, why do I have to debate this with anyone?

You say the proof is in the photos and your numbers. What do you mean by that?

Look at McGwire and Barry's numbers. Then look at my numbers. Have they changed? No. Then look at their head sizes. Look at my cap size from when I started and where I'm at now. Has that changed? No. Look at my body from when I was a rookie. Have I changed? No. So you tell me what it is. I don't control where my name goes. You can waste your time trying to investigate me, but I'm going to keep moving forward.

How do you feel about the players who've been implicated in this mess? And do you feel that Mark McGwire and Bonds, specifically, should be in the Hall of Fame?

They were Hall of Famers yesterday, they're Hall of Famers today, they're Hall of Famers forever. Willie Mays drank red juice back in the day. Nobody said they took milk and cookies. Babe Ruth and those guys, they did stuff too. They drank coffee. You're always going to take protein shakes and multivitamins. If it's going to give you energy, why not use it? It's OK if it's legal. I have never supported the illegal use of anything. People fail to realize, I was the first person to speak about this stuff with Bryant Gumbel. I've been trying to be a spokesperson for illegal stuff. If it's illegal, why should it be in the game? Why should my kids be exposed to this if they ever decide to play baseball?

You walked out on Bonds' offseason workout due to his controlling behavior -- which included making you sleep in his house. Have you talked to him since?

No, we've never run into each other. If I see him, we'll talk. We're two grown men. We've never connected, though.

You've been given a fresh start in Detroit with a manager you love in Jim Leyland. Will you finally be able to do what almost every team has promised you: Will you retire a Tiger?

[Laughs] That's a question for them. I control what I can. If I could control not playing for seven different teams, I would have. You look at my numbers, why have I been on seven different teams? Because I was a problem? I haven't been a problem except with one organization.

Your wrist is good now. But you're obviously nearing the end of your career. How much longer do you feel you can perform at a high level?

Well, I look at it like this. I'm better than I was when I first came back from my wrist injury [last season]. Going into last year, I was anxious to put up bigger numbers than I ever put up. Then I had my injury, and I had a chance to reconnect with myself. I know how close I was to saying, "This is over." Now I have another opportunity, three years, so I have a renewed energy.

Do you have a benchmark that you want to reach before you retire?

I was looking to get to 600 home runs, but I want 500 [he enters the season with 455]. I don't want to walk away until I put that number up. Other than that, it's about winning. I've done everything I've wanted to do in this game. Look at the numbers, the postseason. I have nothing to hang my head over.

Is 600 still a realistic goal?

It's possible if I stay healthy. If I'm on the field for 150 some games, that's reachable.

What's the one thing you want readers to take away from this book?

That they'd see I'm a sincere person, a likable person, and if they got to know me, they'd like me. No doubt about it.

Source: ESPN

Mientkiewicz scuffling at plate
First baseman 1-for-19; Hughes sent to Minor League camp

TAMPA, Fla. -- There have been springs where Doug Mientkiewicz has wished his offensive numbers could carry over into April. This hasn't been one of them.

The Yankees first baseman was signed for his superior defensive play, with his offense generally viewed as a bonus. However, Mientkiewicz has just one hit to show for his Grapefruit League efforts through 19 at-bats. But he isn't about to push the panic button.

"I'm having good at-bats," Mientkiewicz said. "I'm just not getting good results, which is kind of what you want down here. I feel like my pitch recognition is good. The other stuff is just a matter of time."

Mientkiewicz feels he should be able to meet whatever expectations the Yankees have for him as their No. 9 hitter. He batted .283 in 91 games for the Royals last season before undergoing season-ending back surgery in August, and the Yankees would likely be more than satisfied if Mientkiewicz is able to duplicate that production in pinstripes.

Manager Joe Torre believes that Mientkiewicz can be a productive member of the lineup, even if hits grow scarce during a dry spell. Mientkiewicz is reasonably adept at putting the ball in play; he struck out 50 times in 314 at-bats last season and has averaged better than one strikeout per six at-bats over his career.

"He doesn't necessarily have to get a hit to be a contributor," Torre said. "If you want to move runners, I think he can help you in that regard. He doesn't swing and miss a lot. You can do a lot of things [to] keep the inning going."

Even though the Yankees have been widely projected to be slotted to carry a platoon at first base, using Mientkiewicz against right-handed pitching and either Josh Phelps or Andy Phillips against left-handers, Torre said Wednesday that the arrangement is not necessarily set in stone.

Though Mientkiewicz is likely to receive the majority of the club's at-bats by first basemen, Torre said that would be determined by Mientkiewicz's production.

"We'll see what his stroke looks like going into the season, and then I think we'll make that decision," Torre said. "I think he's capable of doing that, but I don't want to bury him either if he's struggling."

Mientkiewicz has been insistent that no matter what Torre decides, he will be fine with the setup. Mientkiewicz said his 2006 season with Kansas City reignited his passion for the game, and his enjoyment factor has only increased following surgery by Dr. James Watkins in Los Angeles on Aug. 29 to remove part of a herniated disk.

"The back's great," Mientkiewicz said. "If you'd told me two months ago that I would feel like this, I'd have told you that you were crazy. It's kind of frightening how good I feel right now. It's been so long since I actually had no pain. It's a different, nice feeling."


Bye for now: The Yankees reassigned top prospect Phil Hughes to Minor League camp following his bullpen session on Wednesday, with pitching coach Ron Guidry seeking out the 20-year-old shortly before 5:45 p.m. ET.

Hughes' three spring appearances were underwhelming. The right-hander appeared against the Twins once and the Indians twice in exhibition play, allowing four runs and six hits over 4 2/3 innings for a 7.71 ERA. He walked six and struck out two.

Hughes said that his last outing in particular -- a 1 1/3-inning appearance against Cleveland at Legends Field on Sunday -- opened his eyes. Unable to throw his curveball and changeup for strikes, Hughes allowed three runs and four hits to the Tribe.

The experience, Hughes said, convinced him that there was work to be done at Triple-A. He possesses a Major League fastball and a curveball that is considered a plus pitch, but his changeup and slider will need to be further developed.

"You can't come in here and expect to get big-league hitters out with just two pitches," Hughes said. "I knew that from the start, but it's a matter of going out there and being able to command the third and fourth pitches. That'll be a key for me."

Before Wednesday's game, Torre volunteered that Hughes' demeanor contrasts strongly with that of a former touted prospect in the Yankees organization, third baseman Drew Henson. Torre recalled that Henson seemed to take each demotion to the Minor League camp as a failure.

"[Hughes] seems to be pretty level-headed, knowing what our plans are," Torre said.

The Yankees have been consistent in stating that their desire is for Hughes to pitch as much as possible at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. General manager Brian Cashman said earlier this spring that Hughes could spend the entire season at Triple-A, with perhaps a September callup, and that the organization is in no rush to hurry Hughes to Yankee Stadium because of his value as a long-term asset.

Hughes said that he would love to pitch in the Major Leagues sometime in 2007, but he also said he understands his situation. If Hughes appears in New York this year, it would be because one of the Yankees' starting pitchers is unavailable or unreliable.

"It's not really my decision to make," Hughes said. "I can just take what I learned here, work on some stuff and do what I need to do. At some point, we'll see."

Source: Yankees

Karstens continuing to impress Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jeff Karstens has remained silent as pitching coach Ron Guidry roamed the Yankees' clubhouse this week, seeking out pitchers to inform them that their time in Major League camp has come to an end.

The whittling of the Yankees Spring Training roster will continue, but for now, Karstens is keeping himself safe from a tap on the shoulder. The 24-year-old right-hander continued a stellar exhibition slate on Wednesday, throwing four innings of one-hit ball in a 4-1 win over the Twins.

Karstens has now reeled off nine shutout innings in Grapefruit League play, striking out nine and walking none, but he still intends to keep his profile low -- just in case Guidry sets out on another set of rounds.

"I'm just going to come in [Thursday] and do what I've been doing," Karstens said. "I'm going to sit in my corner and hide."

Chances are, Karstens doesn't need too low a profile. In fact, as surrounding lockers begin to clear out, Karstens' chances of making the Major League roster appear more realistic.

On Wednesday, the Yankees reassigned four pitchers -- Matt DeSalvo, Phil Hughes, Ross Ohlendorf and Karstens' spring roommate, Chase Wright -- to Minor League camp.

None were serious candidates to go north with the Yankees in April, but as starters begin to gain strength and log more innings, Karstens is making it difficult for the Yankees to look elsewhere.

"He's been doing the same thing every time out," manager Joe Torre said. "He's been that way from the first pitch he threw in Spring Training. He really doesn't waste any time. He works quickly and basically has kept the offense on the defensive."

Karstens feels that his fortunes have been on the rise since May, when he was demoted to Double-A Trenton after starting the season 0-5 in seven starts at Triple-A Columbus.

Karstens went 6-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 11 starts for Trenton before moving back up to Triple-A and continuing his dominance for Columbus, parlaying a 5-0 record and a 1.85 ERA across seven starts into his first Major League callup on Aug. 19.

"Just the way things have been going, it feels like they've been going up and up," Karstens said.

The San Diego, Calif., product admitted that he was slightly fatigued by the time he arrived in New York, having logged 147 2/3 Minor League innings to that point, but he still posted a 2-1 record with a 3.80 ERA in eight games (six starts).

That familiarity takes some of the shine off of Karstens' spring appearances, but they haven't dulled their value.

"We were aware of him before Spring Training started, because he helped us last year," Torre said. "It's not like he's surprising us. He's just continuing to impress us."

This spring, Karstens said he gained the courage to confer with a few of the Yankees' veteran pitchers on work-related topics. Andy Pettitte coached Karstens on keeping the same mindset from pregame bullpen sessions to the mound, and Mariano Rivera told Karstens to abandon a cut fastball that wasn't effective against Major League hitters.

When it comes to cutters, after all, Mo would know.

"You're so scared to talk to these guys, as a young guy in the clubhouse," Karstens said. "All you've got to do is ask and they're more than willing to give information out."

It's Karstens' goal to see to it that those words of wisdom don't go to waste.

"I'm trying to stay level-headed and relax," Karstens said. "I'm just going about my business. I don't say too much. I'd rather have what I do on the field speak for itself."

Source: Yankees

So, Mientkeiwicz blows on offense?

Surprise.

Seriously though, I've been watching Phelps' defense, and he's made a couple of nice scoops out of the dirt that would've boggled Giambi and befuddled Sheffield last year. I'm wondering if it is worth it to keep Mientkeiwicz on at all and instead keep Phelps, cut Mientkeiwicz and Phillips, and *gasp* resign Bernie Williams?

Watching them right now. Bottom of the 7th and they're down 2-0 to the Braves.

EDIT: The 7th inning just ended, and the Yankees are now leading 3-2. I know it doesn't count, but it makes me happy.

Talented Tabata a work in progress
Sky is the limit for gifted 18-year-old Yankees outfield prospect

TAMPA, Fla. -- At first glance, Jose Tabata blended in with the roughly 11 dozen Minor Leaguers roaming the back fields on Himes Avenue, jogging across diamonds carrying their gloves, bats and big-league dreams.

Upon closer inspection, the Yankees' touted Venezuelan outfield prospect reveals himself to be a cut above. Tabata is just 18 years old, but everything about his muscular build and the decibel level of each batting practice stroke seems to scream "Yankee Stadium."

"I leave everything in God's hands," Tabata said through an interpreter. "If I keep improving and keep doing what I've been doing, hopefully in two or three years, I would love to be there. If I stay healthy, I believe I am capable of making it."

Ranked as the Yankees' No. 2 prospect by Baseball America entering this season -- behind only right-hander Phil Hughes -- Tabata spent three weeks as a non-roster invitee to Major League camp before being reassigned to Minor League camp on Tuesday.

His presence was noticeable, chatting with established stars like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, taking advantage of the opportunity to soak up their knowledge. Assigned a locker next to fellow Venezuelan Bobby Abreu, Tabata spoke often in Spanish with the veteran outfielder, whom he grew up watching on television from time to time.

"It's an amazing thing," Tabata said. "I've been watching him all these years and I never imagined being next to him in a locker. I thank God for this opportunity that the Yankees have given me.

"Bobby has taught me how to be patient and to just do what I can do. Don't try to do extra, because when you try to do too much, that's when mistakes come."

Tabata has made relatively few to this point. Signed by the Yankees on his 16th birthday, Tabata served three stints on the disabled list last season with an injured thumb, though he finished batting .298 with 22 doubles, five home runs and 51 RBIs at Class A Charleston.

A South Atlantic League All-Star, his performance included a string of 24 straight games in which he reached base, 15 stolen bases in 20 attempts and a selection to the All-Star Futures Game in Pittsburgh.

Tabata said that he had just returned from the South Atlantic League festivities in Eastlake, Ohio, when a Charleston Riverdogs official told him that he'd been summoned to PNC Park to play for the World team.

Tabata thought the notification was some sort of practical joke and didn't believe the official until the original letter and its plane ticket could be retrieved.

"[I was] real surprised," Tabata said. "I wasn't expecting to be there."

In nine Grapefruit League games for New York this spring, Tabata amassed a gaudy .462 batting average, stroking six hits in 13 at-bats while hitting a home run and driving in two runs.

The long ball came off Jeff Harris in the ninth inning of a loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, an opposite-field blast over the right-field wall that served as a microcosm of Tabata's power potential.

"He just swings the bat and has the ability to hit the ball deep both ways," said manager Joe Torre. "He's just a baby. There's a lot of raw talent there that we're certainly aware of.

"We just hope he progresses the way he should, basically. It's all about working and not trying to rush it, because it's going to take its time."

Tabata is scheduled to open the 2007 season at Class A Tampa in the Florida State League, and Yankees officials have said that there is no reason to rush him to higher levels. His development and production will set the pace for his progression toward the Major Leagues, but Tabata clearly has a timetable in mind for moving up to the Bronx.

"I'm going to work hard and put into practice everything that I learned here, so I can keep moving up," Tabata said. "Hopefully I will go to Double-A and keep going up. That's what all the players want."

Source: Yankees

Man I just saw the Yanks record. They're 10-3-1 thus far. Man DJ, when was the last time the Yanks had a spring this good?

Igawa still making adjustments

TAMPA, Fla. -- Eight of Kei Igawa's first nine pitches missed the strike zone Thursday, and with two Atlanta Braves on base and none out, Ron Guidry made an unexpectedly early trot to the mound.

Communication has been just one hurdle for the Japanese left-hander this spring, but whatever Guidry said in his Louisiana twang, it seemed to help.

Igawa struck out the side to end the inning and, even as he battled spotty control, finished off three scoreless frames to complete his third Grapefruit League start.

"I'm not sure how Gator communicated with him," Torre joked later. "Maybe Cajun is close to Japanese."

Preparing for his first Major League season, Igawa's adjustments are continuing. The 27-year-old needed 62 pitches to get through three innings of work, and recorded just 29 strikes.

He was continuously behind in the count, throwing just one first-pitch strike to Atlanta's first nine batters -- a called strike to free-swinging former Yankee Craig Wilson, who eventually struck out.

The performance was "effectively wild," as catcher Jorge Posada put it. Igawa walked four but struck out five, and the Yankees seem encouraged by Igawa's ability to throw offspeed pitches behind in the count and his willingness to respond to tweaks.

Guidry's spoken words and assorted gestures told Igawa that he needed to reach out further and finish off his pitches -- a lesson that has been repeatedly stressed in bullpen sessions, not just under the lights at Legends Field.

But, as Torre revealed earlier on Thursday, Igawa has taken conditioning drills into his own hands on occasion.

Two days after his March 5 debut against the Detroit Tigers, an unsatisfied Igawa walked out to the adjacent Field 3 bordering Legends Field and repeatedly threw baseballs against a chain-link fence from flat ground.

"I only do that when I feel I need to keep my balance," Igawa explained through interpreter Yumi Watanbe. "It's just a way to shift my weight from one leg to the other."

Igawa said that the exercise is fairly common among Japanese pitchers, except it is usually conducted with a netted screen that could catch the thrown balls. Lacking those amenities, Igawa instead opted for the clanging of horsehide against metal.

Torre said that Guidry later instructed Igawa that the Yankees would prefer if he conducted those types of drills with the supervision of a coach.

"We're here to support him, not to change him," Torre said.

Igawa seems to be making plenty of other adjustments on his own. Though Posada said he was pleased with Igawa's slider and called his changeup "good," the catcher said that Igawa's demeanor may have seen the most improvement over the past 10 days.

"His presence around the mound is better," Posada said. "Before, he was walking around.

Source: Yankees

Notes: Wang on pace to pitch opener

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Yankees have not officially decided on their Opening Day starter, but Chien-Ming Wang continues to appear as likely a choice as any.

Wang was efficient in a five-inning performance Friday against the Houston Astros, allowing one run and four hits in the Yankees' 4-3 loss.

The right-hander said he was especially pleased with his changeup and slider, and he had good command for most of the effort -- Wang threw 46 of his 61 pitches for strikes, with just a momentary blip in the second inning when he left fastballs up on doubles to Carlos Lee and Luke Scott.

"Every time, better and better," Wang said.

One season after tying Minnesota's Johan Santana for the American League lead in victories, Wang is generally regarded as the Yankees' ace and the likeliest candidate to lock heads with Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir on April 2.

Through four Grapefruit League appearances -- including the Yankees' Grapefruit League opener on March 1 against Minnesota -- Wang has compiled a 2.54 ERA, allowing four runs and 12 hits in 14 innings.

"He's getting there," manager Joe Torre said. "He's not all the way there yet. He's not as sharp as he's going to be, but he's not having any problems."

Of importance is Wang's improving slider, which Torre said has come a long way from his debut season in 2005. It made a great leap last year and has been a focal point of Wang's sessions in Spring Training, making him more likely to tap it from his arsenal in a tight spot during the regular season.

"If you have the pitches, the more comfort you have with them, the more likely you are to use them," Torre said.

Torre said that the team has not yet set any plans for the season opener, with Wang, Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina in the running for the assignment.

"We just want to make sure these guys get through their next start or two," Torre said. "The most important thing for me is that, any one of the three of them that you decide, the other two of them won't take exception."

Bobby swings: Bobby Abreu (strained right oblique) took 55 swings in an indoor cage at Legends Field on Friday, The Associated Press reported.

Torre said that he hadn't heard any updates from the Yankees' camp during their game in Kissimmee, Fla., which the manager took to be a good sign. No news is good news, he reasoned.

"All systems were go today," Torre said. "He had a pretty good look on his face this morning."

Without any further setbacks, Torre suggested that Abreu could make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday at Sarasota against the Cincinnati Reds, the day following New York's lone off-day of the spring.

That would give Abreu 10 exhibition games to round into shape for his projected Opening Day assignment at Yankee Stadium, which Torre said was realistic. Abreu was injured while taking batting practice in Tampa on Feb. 26.

No liftoff: Roger Clemens kept his fastball and splitter in his back pocket on Friday, instead tossing lob batting practice to his children on Field 4 of the Astros' Spring Training complex.

Clemens also kept to himself and did not speak to reporters, 10 days after he made an appearance at Legends Field to watch good friend Pettitte pitch.

Torre said he did not intend to seek out Clemens for another informal chat, but said that he believed Clemens already knows whether or not he intends to pitch in 2007.

Clemens and his representatives have continually maintained that if Clemens decides to play this year, it would only be for the Yankees, Astros or Red Sox.

"Just knowing Roger the way I do, in the event he decides to play again, he's certainly going to be ready to do it," Torre said. "That's part of his lifestyle. ... I think Roger has it all figured out anyway."

Bernie a topic: In discussing the talents of outfielder Bronson Sardinha -- who is batting .345 this spring after an 0-for-4 collar Friday -- Torre couldn't help but mention Bernie Williams' name.

The 23-year-old Sardinha has made great strides after working with hitting coach Kevin Long last season at Triple-A Columbus, and Torre said he was one of the biggest surprises of camp.

That said, Torre would prefer a more veteran presence as a fifth outfielder, if the Yankees intended to carry one. That prompted the manager to bring up Williams, reiterating that "Bernie at least had a chance to be a part of this ballclub, coming off the bench."

Torre said that his two recruitment calls to Williams, urging him to consider accepting the Yankees' standing non-roster invitation to Spring Training, went unreturned. Torre said that he would be surprised if Williams latched on with another team in 2007, but also handicapped the 38-year-old outfielder's chances on reappearing with the Yankees.

"I think it would be a very, very long shot," Torre said. "Spring Training would have been important for him and for us, too, just to try to put things together."

Source: Yankees

Well, once again - Pettitte is stellar today, and Carl Pavano proves why Charlie the Tuna could throw a better game.

And yet the Yankees lose. What happened? On the Yankees website they just said Pettitte threw 5 scoreless innings. Who gave up the final 2 runs?

Crash Test Dummy.

Clemens takes wait-and-see approach

ORLANDO -- Roger Clemens made it clear on Saturday that a decision on whether he will play this year won't come until May. And as far as speculation on who holds the cards, he stated that ultimately the Astros, Yankees and Red Sox having the final say.

"From what I understand, all three teams want to see where they are as far as their rotation ... and how their pitching lines up," Clemens said in an exclusive interview with MLB.com after his question-and-answer session with fans during the MLB FanFest at Universal Orlando. "Not a one of them wanted an April or May [deal] anyways. All three teams look good as far as their pitching staffs go. My agents will let me know if and when they call."

The 44-year-old right-hander, who entertained fans in a lengthy informal interview with BaseballChannel.TV host Vinny Micucci, was candid about his position and stated it had nothing to do with a limited position with a club.

"The thing that's been misconstrued quite a bit is that I have a deal in Houston where I pitch and then don't show up," said Clemens, who spent about 15 minutes signing autographs for fans following his chat. "I'm working more than I'm pitching down there. It's not like I'm pitching and then going home and sitting around."

Clemens, who has been helping coach in Minor League camp during Spring Training with the Astros, discussed at length how he was upset that his situation with the Astros was made out to appear as a luxury-type deal and that he was afforded unique concessions. The Houston native first came out of retirement in 2004 after Andy Pettitte signed with the Astros. Clemens ultimately retired and un-retired two more times, with the last deal signed in 2006 after his appearance in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA.

The deal, in which he received a pro-rated portion of $22,000,022, was constructed as a "personal service contract" in which Clemens agreed to mentor and coach in some facet for Houston's Minor League clubs. While he mentioned that coaching is something that isn't in the near future for him, he loves the chance to take part in helping teach the younger players.

"I would have signed a similar deal with the Yankees had Andy stayed in New York," said Clemens. "I thought he was a lifer there. I know when we were in the playoffs in 2003 and Andy's contract was coming up, he wasn't sure about what he was going to do because he knew I was retiring. He was like, 'I don't know what I want to do and if I want to stay here.' And I told him I'd come visit a couple times a month, play some golf and possibly work for some TV people."

Clemens, though, was persuaded to un-retire after Pettitte became an Astro.

"Andy mentioned how he was going to talk to his good buddy, and then I ended up with some 50 odd-some people outside my gate begging me to play," Clemens said. " That's how I ended up in Houston. We thought it would be fun and it worked out where we took the organization further than it's ever been. Now, here I am at a crossroads again."

Clemens admits that he wavers back and forth about his desire to return again, knowing how much effort and commitment it takes. But he also said he understands how to manage it, considering he has run his charity foundation for years in addition to recently becoming a part of an ownership group in two Astros Minor League affiliates, the Round Rock Express and the Corpus Christi Hooks.

"I have a lot of stuff going on, but I can balance it," said Clemens, whose wife, Debra, helps manage the Roger Clemens Foundation. "That's another thing that people don't realize about my deal with the Astros, is that, when I wasn't traveling with the team, I was going all over the place to handle business."

So, while Clemens may not have said point-blank where he would end up playing, his words on Saturday alluded to the attractive value of each city.

In New York, his good friend plays there. Pettitte was the main reason Clemens returned to the game the last time.

"I'm talking to different buddies around the league right now, including Andy and getting them ready for the long ride ahead," said Clemens. "The talks we have in private time is just as important as going out and performing, and it's important to know how much you have to invest, both physically and mentally. I was strong last year and I know what it takes to get back into it full-strength."

In Houston, he can be near his family. While his oldest son, Koby, is now playing in the Astros organization after being drafted last year, his other sons, Kory, Kacy, and Kody are at the age where he can help coach them.

Finally, in Boston, not only does he have his legacy there, having played 12 seasons with the Red Sox, he has another part of history that intrigues him.

"My biggest idol growing up was John F. Kennedy, and when I was there, I was lucky enough to meet the family and become friends with them," said Clemens, who is a history enthusiast. "That's another thing about Boston. When I'm there, I can visit their family, which is a pretty cool thing."

Kennedy once said that, "Change is the law of life." For Clemens, it seems change is again on the horizon.

Source: Yankees

Cano 'always worried'

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Don't get Robinson Cano wrong. Cano grinned plenty when he popped his first home run of the spring this week, and for that matter, he probably smiles as much as any Yankee.

But while the 24-year-old second baseman has his stroke intact, batting .333 with nine RBIs in Grapefruit League play, he harbors a sneaking suspicion that his next slump could be right around the corner.

"Let me tell you something: I'm always worried," Cano said. "If you get two hits today, sometimes you don't get hits for the next five or 10 games. I'm always worried how it's going to be the next game. It's not easy -- just go into the game and get some hits. I'm always worried about how it's going to be."

The Yankees have no such qualms about Cano's play. After he finished third in the American League batting race last season, New York is looking for big things from the All-Star as he plays his third Major League season.

A compact left-handed batter who hit 15 home runs in 482 at-bats last season, Cano has a stroke that some have suggested could be ripe to add power potential in future seasons.

His three-run shot off Houston's Woody Williams on Friday wasn't exactly an aberration, though Cano said he continues to simply try to drive the ball for doubles. In a lineup flush with power hitters, Cano said he is content to stick to the form that has made him one of the game's most dynamic young hitters.

"It's a different game than that," Cano said. "I wish to improve my power, but not in a home run way. Sometimes I'll try [to hit home runs in batting practice], but I'm a line-drive hitter."

Yankees manager Joe Torre said that he hasn't seen any signs of slowing from Cano, who continues to report to Legends Field three times a week for early-morning defensive drills with infield coach Larry Bowa -- an exercise package that Cano believes has helped him markedly.

A contractual bargain for the Yankees, having signed a one-year contract worth $490,000 earlier this month, Cano still exhibits an innocent, joyful approach to the game that Torre said is "great to see."

"You sense if somebody's forcing the issue," Torre said. "We've talked to him about several things in regard to hitting and his contract, all that stuff. We've tried to cover all the bases. He seems to be having fun. Hopefully that's the case."

Source: Yankees

Pavano thrown off routine

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- As Andy Pettitte retired a succession of Phillies on Saturday afternoon, Carl Pavano was killing time behind Bright House Networks Field, trying to wait until the sixth inning when his turn rolled around.

Pavano said that Rob Thomson, the Yankees' Major League field coordinator, had to continuously send text messages across to the dugout to find out when the 31-year-old right-hander should begin warming up for a scheduled four-inning relief stint.

"It was an awkward day," Pavano said. "I was away from my routine, but I don't think it affected me that much. I just felt a little rushed."

Slated to pitch behind Pettitte, Pavano entered the Yankees' eventual 3-2 loss with a tough act to follow. Pettitte shook off early command problems and swirling, cool winds to retire the final 13 Phillies he faced, handing a one-run lead over to Pavano.

As Pavano attempts to return to normalcy following a 1 1/2-year layoff, even his smallest steps are considered progress, though nothing seems to come without one quirk or another.

Pavano allowed three runs (two earned) in three innings, scattering four hits while walking two and striking out one. The line was misleading.

Saying that he "definitely felt a little funky out there," Pavano was impacted by Andy Phillips -- playing out of position at third base to garner extra at-bats -- on a muff of Carlos Ruiz's grounder in the sixth inning, leading to Philadelphia's first run.

In the seventh, a two-run Aaron Rowand single was originally ruled an error, but the official scorer changed it to a single after the game.

Yankees manager Joe Torre acknowledged that each time Pavano competes and emerges healthy, it's worthy of a larger spotlight than an average hurler just based upon his recent history.

"He hasn't done this for a couple of years," Torre said. "I think he's got to get a feel for it again. It's something he's done for a number of years, but he hasn't done it recently. This game has a way of reminding you."

With the game having ended, but the Yankees looking to raise Pavano's pitch count above 65, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel agreed to unofficially have his club bat in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Before a scattered crowd of confused onlookers, Pavano faced three batters, striking out former Yankee Karim Garcia before hitting Brennan King.

Center fielder Kevin Thompson dropped what would have been the second out of the inning, a fly ball by Ron Calloway, at which point the Yankees walked off the field and allowed the Phillies -- finally -- to shake hands and shower.

Torre said the outing was satisfactory for Pavano's third appearance.

"He looked fine," Torre said. "He just might be a little flat right now. [Pavano had] no complaints. He felt all right, and I thought he did all right."

Coming off a three-inning start against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, and pitching on the normal fifth day, Pavano reported good fatigue following Saturday's effort.

"It's probably the first time when my body felt a little dead and I had to work a little harder, which I think is good, because that's just part of Spring Training," Pavano said.

Pavano's Spring Training has been interrupted twice -- first by a batting practice line drive that bruised his left foot and a serious medical issue involving his girlfriend, Gia Allemand, that excused him from a start against the Rays. He now appears to be gaining some rhythm.

"I actually feel my body breaking down and getting stronger," Pavano said.

Pavano said that his next bullpen session and the following scheduled start, which Torre said would be Thursday on the road against the Reds, would be important in continuing to gather steam for the regular season.

"This time of year, you want to build from activity and go [with] more activity," Pavano said. "The next bullpen and start are going to be the progression that I missed. ... You've just got to hit your checkpoints."

Torre said Pavano is slightly trailing the other Yankees starters because of the two incidents, but that he could make up that ground quickly. Next week would be the time to do it.

"I think there's always something we're going to look for to be a little better," Torre said. "When it's time to break camp, the whole package has to be there. It's a step forward."

Source: Yankees

Watched Game 4 of the 1998 World Series last night on YES. My, oh, my, Jeter looked about 11 years old!!! What a great game that was, and what a great team!