YANKEE NOTES
MINNEAPOLIS – As if George Steinbrenner didn’t have enough on his plate yesterday when Joe Torre criticized his meddling antics, David Wells slapped The Boss by saying he would go pitch for the Mets or Red Sox next year if the Yanks don’t pick up his $6 million option.
If Wells thinks The Boss is ticked at him for writing “Perfect I’m Not” and boycotting a Sports Illustrated photo shoot that included Steinbrenner, wait until The Boss hears about Wells’ wishes to work for the enemy. The Yankees aren’t expected to pick up the option.
According to YES announcer Michael Kay, Wells told him of his plan before yesterday’s 8-2 Yankees victory over the Twins.
But when Wells was approached later, he refused to discuss the latest bit of controversy.
“I’ve got nothing to say,” said Wells, who starts today against the Twins. “You know I don’t talk to you guys the day before I pitch.”
* Hideki Matsui entered yesterday’s game as a pinch-runner in the sixth inning and extended his consecutive games played streak to 1,268 games. Matsui played in 1,250 straight games to end his career in Japan. It’s the second longest streak in Japan.
“I was happy to play today,” said Matsui, who doubled in the seventh to extend his hitting streak to seven games. “Going forward, I want to stay healthy and maintain the streak.”
Torre’s reason for not starting Matsui was due to the unforgiving Metrodome turf. Torre said it was nice to keep the streak going, but that if he notices Matsui getting tired he won’t hesitate to give him a full day off.
When Matsui returns to the lineup today it could be in center field to rest Bernie Williams’ legs.
“It’s a long season and the turf eats you up,” Torre said. “Bernie’s hinges are barking. I am toying with DHing him [today].
* Yankees are expected to promote utilityman Charles Gipson from Columbus (Triple-A) in time for tomorrow night’s game against the Angels in California. He would replace outfielder Chris Latham on the roster. Latham is a candidate to be designated for assignment or released if the Yankees can’t trade him because they need a spot on the 40-man roster. Latham drew interest from a Japanese team before signing with the Yankees and could be headed there.
* Yesterday’s win was Torre’s 700th as manager of the Yanks.
Yankee pitchers have held the Twins to five hits in 33 at-bats (.152) with runners in scoring position during the first three games of the series. …
During the Yankees’ 12-game winning streak over the Twins, they have out-homered them 27-2 and 20-0 in the past nine games.
