YANKEE NOTES

ANAHEIM – When the Yankees gave Drew Henson $17 million, they firmly believed he would be their starting third baseman this year. Yesterday’s acquisition of Aaron Boone from the Reds for Brandon Claussen likely means Henson will never play third for the Bombers.

Instead, he will likely be moved from third to right field, traded or eventually drift to the NFL, where Houston holds the former Michigan quarterback’s rights.

“Drew Henson hasn’t developed to the point where he is in consideration for the major league side,” GM Brian Cashman said of Henson, who was batting .227 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs in 106 games for Columbus (Triple-A). “By this move, we recognize there is a position of need for the organization and we can improve upon it now. The move for Aaron Boone speaks volumes as to where Drew Henson in terms of his development at this time.”

Henson, who was with Claussen when the pitcher heard the news, isn’t thinking of giving up baseball for football.

“There are only so many things I can do,” Henson said. “It doesn’t change a lot for me regardless of who they get to play third base.

“I have confidence in my ability and know what I can do.”

“He is a baseball player,” agent Casey Close said of Henson. “He is not looking to go someplace else.”

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The Yankees will have Gabe White report to their complex in Tampa, where he will have a groin problem treated. They hope to have the lefty reliever they acquired yesterday from the Reds in the big leagues in three weeks.

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Jose Contreras threw batting practice yesterday in Tampa. Contreras, recovering from a strained right shoulder, threw 40 pitches to live hitters for the first time in seven weeks.

Contreras is 3-1 with a 4.62 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings over 10 games with the Yankees, who are looking for their $32 million investment to return in the middle of next month.

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“Drew Henson hasn’t developed to the point where he is in consideration for the major league side.” -BRIAN CASHMAN