Post’s Steve Serby chatted this past week with the Yankees’ 20-year-old righty phenom:

Why won’t New York scare you?

A: I don’t see the pressures of New York as anything scary. It’s fun for me. I look forward to it. I don’t see it as I’m scared to fail. I’m excited to succeed.

Q: What makes you think you’re ready for the big leagues?

A: I don’t think anybody knows until they get there. I could say I’m ready, but if I go out and show I’m not, obviously I’m not.

Q: You’ve been called Baby Rocket; Phil Franchise; Phenom Phil; Prior Lite … which do you prefer?

A: [Chuckles] It’s just funny to me. I prefer Phil.

Q: What do you want to say to Yankees fans hyperventilating over your arrival?

A: The organization obviously has my long-term interests in mind. If all goes well, I’ll be there sooner than later.

Q: Is it easy for you to be patient?

A: Maybe if I was 30, instead of 20, I wouldn’t be as patient.

Q: Describe your mound temperament.

A: I try not to get too excited or too down. There’s always the next inning or the next game.

Q: Favorite childhood memory?

A: My first trip to Fenway Park. You felt like you were watching baseball in the early 1900s.

Q: How old were you?

A: Eleven or 12. We were sitting behind the bullpen like two levels up.

Q: Favorite Red Sox?

A: Nomar [Garciaparra] and Mo Vaughn, and they both hit home runs in that game.

Q: Your dad’s reaction when Aaron Boone hit that home run against his Sawx?

A: I’m sure he was pretty mad. I was working at Baskin-Robbins that night, getting updates from my mom. I’d secretly go in the back and answer my cell phone when she called.

Q: Did you hate the Yankees?

A: I wouldn’t say hate, but what are you gonna say about the Yankees if you’re a Red Sox fan? I wouldn’t wear a “Yankees S – – – ” shirt.

Q: What’s it like lockering next to Derek Jeter?

A: Cool. He says “good morning” every time he walks in. He isn’t afraid to talk to you if you want to talk about something.

Q: Have you picked his brain about anything?

A: I’ve asked him which reporters he likes and which he doesn’t. That’s something you want to know.

Q: Alex Rodriguez?

A: Stand-up guy. Another guy not afraid to say “good morning.”

Q: Yogi?

A: (Chuckles). A good dude. A little bit smaller than I anticipated.

Q: Does your girlfriend cook?

A: I do all the cooking.

Q: What do you cook best?

A: She really likes my chicken tacos. I cooked Thanksgiving this year for my family. Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, ham – I did it all.

Q: How did you get started in the kitchen?

A: My parents were always working when I was young, so I’d come home from school, crack open the fridge and get at it. It’s kinda relaxing being in the kitchen.

Q: Ideal mate?

A: Not too reliant on me, which I’m very fortunate to have. My girlfriend is very independent. Understanding is important, especially in the profession I hope to have for a long time. Other than that, I’m not too nit-picky about stuff.

Q: Your no-hitter against Laguna Hills High?

A: It went by really quick. I told one of my buddies before the game, “I’m gonna try to throw a no-hitter today,” and it happened. It was a perfect game, actually.

Q: How’s your slider coming along?

A: Getting better. They say it’s like riding a bike … when you haven’t ridden in five years it’s not gonna be as good now when you get back on it.

Q: One hitter you’ve dreamed of facing?

A: David Ortiz.

Q: One pitcher you’ve dreamed of dueling?

A: Clemens.

Q: Have you met him?

A: I met him (Wednesday) night. I was leaving and he was walking in. He introduced himself and that’s about it.

: He knew who you were?

A: Hopefully he did. That’d be pretty cool.

Q: Hobbies?

A: I play golf quite a bit.

Q: Handicap?

A: I wouldn’t even know. If I’m playing well, I’ll shoot in the 80s. If not, I’ll shoot in the 90s.

Q: Most embarrassing moment?

A: I was fielding a bunt down the line in Trenton and kinda tripped over my shoelaces. When I picked up the ball, I tried to throw it. It was a bad throw. I’m a decent athlete, but I’m not the most fleet-afoot guy you’ll ever see.

Q: If you knew the world would end in 24 hours, what would you do?

A: Fly everyone in my family and make sure we were all together hanging out in a big room and reminisce about stuff.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: George Washington; Columbus; my great grandfather.

Q: Why your great grandfather (Frank Granger)?

A: I got most of my genes and athletic ability from him (ex-Green Bay Packer).

Q: Best piece of advice from your parents?

A: Stay humble.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “Happy Gilmore”

Q: Favorite actor?

A: Will Ferrell.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Angelina Jolie.

Q: Favorite entertainer?

A: Breaking Benjamin.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: My mom’s shepherd pie.