YANKEE NOTES
TAMPA – With each passing day, the reality sets in that Rondell White may not be fully recovered from a left rib cage problem in time for Opening Day.
However, the Yankees aren’t pursuing a long-term solution to the often-injured left fielder. And despite the need for somebody to replace Ruben Rivera, they aren’t knocking down doors for a fifth outfielder that can play center if Bernie Williams goes down.
“He is progressing nicely,” GM Brian Cashman said of White yesterday when the Yankees enjoyed their only day off of the spring. “Every time we have increased his workload he has been fine. We are taking baby steps. Opening Day is still a possibility.”
White, who signed a two-year deal worth $10 million, suffered the injury Feb. 26 while swinging in a flip drill. Today, he will take part in the same exercise for the first time since the injury. If there are no setbacks, White is looking to take BP by the end of the week and play in games shortly thereafter.
Joe Torre said that if White isn’t at least taking BP by the end of the week, it’s possible he won’t be ready for the April 1 opener.
If White isn’t ready, it could open the door for the Yankees’ top outfield prospect, Juan Rivera, to be the starter in left field on Opening Day.
As for Ruben Rivera’s replacement, Cashman makes his calls but isn’t pressuring anybody to make a deal.
“I still feel we have enough coverage from within,” Cashman said.
Joe Torre has talked up utility man F.P. Santangelo and Gerald Williams is under contract for $2M.
Big names on the block include Toronto’s Raul Mondesi and Atlanta’s B.J. Surhoff, and there has been talk of some interest in the Blue Jays’ Shannon Stewart, but those options don’t interest the Yankees at this point.
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According to Cashman, the tests done on Drew Henson‘s left ankle came back negative and Andy Pettitte felt no discomfort after throwing in the bullpen Sunday.
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Stories continue to circulate that the Yankees released utilityman Manny Alexander last week after several players informed club officials that they were “not comfortable” with Alexander in the clubhouse. Sources have said he had connections with the same memorabilia dealer who paid Ruben Rivera $2,500 for a glove used by Derek Jeter.
Cashman, however, refused to comment on the issue, saying only, “I did talk to Manny. He was not going to make the team and we thought it was best to do it now to give him the opportunity to catch on with someone else.”
