By GEORGE KING

With the white-hot issues settling down, Legends Field returned to a sense of normalcy Wednesday when the focus was on a workout under a perfect Florida sky. After one sexy story following another, normalcy returned to Legends Field yesterday.

With the relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter played, out Bernie Williams still in New York, Mariano Rivera having stopped talking about his contract and Carl Pavano not getting scolded by Mike Mussina, the focus was on a full-scale workout.

Under ideal Florida conditions, fans were able to see A-Rod flex his muscles and crush home runs during batting practice. Derek Jeter chatted with a fan near the field and A-Rod signed autographs in the dugout.

Years ago spring training was an opportunity for the fans to get near the players. But new facilities like Legends are designed to cut down on that.

Thursday those in attendance will get a close glimpse of 20-year-old Phil Hughes, the Yankees’ pitching future. He will be on the main field with the Yankees’ rotation that he will likely join in June. Pitchers will throw live batting practice for the first time.

If the Yankees have a sense for the dramatic, they will let Igawa face Hideki Matsui. That would stir the large contingent of Japanese media on hand.

“In spite of everything that has been going on the internal stuff has been working,” Joe Torre said. “The plan to cover the fundamentals and all the important stuff. Everybody seems to be ready to do this. There are a lot of players that have to be observed but I think everybody is in a pretty good state of mind.”