Play ball

Yankees begin workouts with glut of starters

A slimmer David Wells is one of three pitchers fighting for two spots in the rotation. AP

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Joe Torre loved the view.

On the first day of workouts for the AL champion New York Yankees, the manager got to see pitchers Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Orlando Hernandez and Sterling Hitchcock throwing together off bullpen mounds.

"It's a wonderful feeling," said Torre, who observed the 10-minute throwing sessions. "When you watch those guys go out to the mound, you realize how much you rely on those people."

Clemens, Mussina and Pettitte have secured spots in the rotation. Hitchcock, Hernandez and David Wells are battling for the other two spots.

Yankees sign R. Rivera TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Yankees signed outfielder Ruben Rivera to a $1 million, one-year contract on Thursday, a deal that includes a club option for 2003. Rivera, 29, hit .255 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs in 117 games with Cincinnati last season. He originally was signed by the Yankees as free agent in 1990, and spent six years in the organization. His deal calls for a $700,000 salary and a $1.4 million option with a $300,000 buyout. To make room for Rivera on the 40-man roster, New York designated pitcher Brian Rogers for assignment. Rogers, 25, went 10-9 with 3.96 ERA in 29 games with Class AA Norwich last year.

"We have six legitimate guys for five spots," Torre said. "Everybody who is here vying for a spot has to prove they deserve a spot."

Wells, who is coming off back surgery, will likely not start throwing off a mound for another 9-to-14 days. The left-hander is taking part in long toss sessions.

"It not 100 percent, but it feels good," Wells said. "I'm not worried about anything. I know what it takes to be ready."

Wells will do his conditioning work indoors on the bike and treadmill.

"The outlook for him is positive," New York general manager Brain Cashman said.

There has been speculation the Yankees might trade one of the starters, with the focus centered on Hernandez.

Cashman said talk about a trade is premature unless someone proposes a deal the team can't refuse.

"Definitely there is interest out there," Cashman said. "We're very comfortable with the way things are. Six starters for five spots can become five for five spots [due to injuries]. We're going to play this out."

Notes: Yankees owner George Steinbrenner talked with Torre and guest instructor Yogi Berra during batting practice. ... Berra will be working closely with C Jorge Posada this spring. "He knows more about catching than anybody," Posada said. ... C Chris Widger missed the opening workout with a migraine. ... C Alberto Castillo was en route to Tampa Thursday and did not practice.

 

Related information
Stories
El Duque's spot in Yankees rotation not secure Diamondbacks ready to begin training again
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.