YANKEE NOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – It won’t help Derek Jeter climb out of an extended slump, or Alex Rodriguez play a better third base.

And it won’t help the Yankees pull the chute on the dramatic free fall they were in before last night’s game against the Twins at the Metrodome.

However, George Steinbrenner has tightened the belt on employees in The Bronx and Tampa.

Employees received a memo late this week instructing them to be at their desks by 9 a.m. every day.

The “No More Straggling” edict is directly related to the Yankees losing streak that reached a season-high six games going into last night’s tilt against the Twins at the Metrodome.

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The Yankees are sending out signals they could select St. John’s closer Craig Hansen with the 17th pick in the first round of Tuesday’s draft.

If Hansen is still available, he will be taken by the Bombers. However, Baseball America has the right-hander listed as the No. 10 prospect in the country.

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Manager Joe Torre isn’t afraid to juggle his lineup. During the six-game slide, Torre filled out six different cards.

He went 7-for-7 when Rey Sanchez started at short for the ill Derek Jeter last night.

“I have always done it,” Torre said of the juggling act. “A lot of times you don’t have an option because certain guys aren’t three, four or five hitters.

“On this club there are a lot of guys who can do that.”

Torre says he hasn’t received negative feedback from the principles involved.

“I have never had any lineup problems as far as guys hitting certain places,” Torre said.

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Among the host of problems the Yankees are having, hitting relievers is near the top.

During the six-game losing streak opposing relievers had worked 182/3 innings, allowed 11 hits and two earned runs. . . .

Kevin Brown (4-5; 5.14 ERA) faces RHP Carlos Silva (3-3; 3.09) today.