YANK NOTES

TAMPA – Gary Sheffield missed yesterday’s workout due to back spasms that he and the club insist isn’t a big deal.

“It bothered me [Saturday] but I kept playing through it,” Sheffield said of the problem that started low in the back and worked up to between the shoulder blades. “I took extra swings after batting practice [Saturday]. It will be fine. It’s really tight. I will give it a day and be ready to go (today). I just took too many swings.”

Sheffield spent yesterday’s workout receiving treatment.

After working out at the Yankees’ minor league facility in the previous two winters, Sheffield opted to let his body heal this past winter and didn’t pick up a bat until the start of camp.

“He is four, five or six pounds over last year, but that’s no major problem,” Joe Torre said of the 37-year-old Sheffield, who is listed at 215 pounds. “But we will go slow with him.”

Cashman wasn’t alarmed because the trainers told him not to be. There were no tests slated but Cashman said “probably not” when asked if Sheffield will be on the field today.

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When Randy Johnson completed his warmup in the bullpen, a fan on the catwalk yelled, “Good luck this year, Randy.”

To which a smiling Johnson replied, “You, too.”

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Carl Pavano’s back problem will land him on the DL at the start of the season and could possibly pave the way for Al Leiter making the team if Torre carries 12 pitchers.

“When faced with that we will have to come up with a decision, but so far I have liked what I see,” Torre said of the 40-year-old lefty, who threw batting practice yesterday and was sharp with location, cutter, curveball and fastball.

“When you look at it, there is no room, but when somebody makes a case for themselves you will figure something out. Between now and the time you have to make that decision, the decision can be made for you. Making the decision today would be a problem, but I put that stuff on hold to see what we see.”

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Mike Mussina will start against top pitching prospect Phil Hughes tomorrow in a nine-inning intrasquad game at Legends Field.