NASHVILLE -The Yankees are not only considering Bartolo Colon or Javier Vazquez as a replacement for Roger Clemens. They are considering Orlando Hernandez for that slot, as well.

The Expos told the Yanks yesterday what it would take to land either Colon or Vazquez, a package believed to be Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera, Hernandez and the cash to cover El Duque’s contract. GM Brian Cashman said, “It is my opinion we can get something done if I meet his current and only request.”

But even if he doesn’t, it was possible the Yankees would still not turn to Clemens to fill one of five starting slots. Clemens has indicated he still wants the $10 million-plus of a No. 1 starter, while the Yanks do not want to range much beyond $8 million. So if Hernandez is not included in obtaining a Clemens replacement such as Colon or Vazquez, El Duque could be retained and kept in a cheaper range of around $5.5 million.

Cashman was scheduled to meet with Clemens’ agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, last night to better gauge the situation. Both Hendricks said that Clemens’ priority remained staying a Yankee, but gave no indication he was willing to reduce his financial requests to make that happen.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Randy Hendricks said. “It’s not like we are not clear in understanding the position. But if he leaves New York, it is because it is their decision, not his.”

Hendricks pointed out the Red Sox once decided Clemens was too old, with then-Boston GM Dan Duquette saying The Rocket was “in the twilight” of his career. Clemens has won three Cy Young awards since. But now Clemens is 40 and the Yanks do not want to overpay him.

The Yanks figure they are unlikely to get 30 starts out of either Clemens or Hernandez in 2003 for physical reasons, and do not expect either to be back in 2004. So while Clemens is more dependable, the Yanks might prefer to go with Hernandez and the huge financial savings.

Then the Yanks might consider using Johnson or Rivera to add a young, inexpensive starter who would be insurance in the pen against the fragile states of Hernandez, Andy Pettitte and David Wells. Atlanta’s Damian Moss or Jason Marquis, Arizona’s John Patterson and Philadelphia’s Brandon Duckworth are possibilities.

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The Dodgers have joined the Giants in having some interest in Texas’ Juan Gonzalez … A’s GM Billy Beane ended his obsession to land first baseman Erubiel Durazo from Arizona, getting him in a four-way trade. As part of the transaction, the Diamondbacks received starter Elmer Dessens from Cincinnati, the Reds received shortstop Felipe Lopez from Toronto and the Blue Jays got pitching prospect Jason Arnold from Oakland.