YANKEE NOTES

OAKLAND – He gets under people’s skin so easily you sometimes think he tries to do it. He speaks his mind far too much for too many people. As an author, he is a wonderful pitcher.

But never let it be said that David Wells forgot those who helped him navigate a tough childhood.

Wells wasn’t with the Yankees last night when they played the first of three games against the A’s at the Coliseum because he was in San Diego attending the funeral of Steve Allen, his Little League coach who died of a heart attack earlier this week at 61.

“He was a mentor to me, he taught me how to play,” said Wells, who had a hard time in the early going of Thursday night’s 16-5 win over the Mariners because he was thinking of Allen.

“He would bring his son by and we would go play. He knew I didn’t have a father growing up. He had two kids and I hung out with them. He taught me about the game. He was a very good friend of mine. It’s kind of tough. He meant a lot to me.”

* Jorge Posada was waiting until late yesterday afternoon to see how his bruised right shoulder felt. Posada took a foul tip on the bone in the ninth inning of Thursday night’s game and was in discomfort as he dressed.

* Jose Contreras likely made his last start for Triple-A Columbus last night in Rochester. The final decision on whether the $32 million Cuban refugee rejoins the Yankees on Tuesday will be made by organizational pitching coordinator Billy Connors and VP of baseball operations Gordon Blakeley.

When he returns to the big leagues, he will go into the bullpen, and either Al Reyes or Randy Choate will be sent out. Choate has options; Reyes doesn’t. …

Derek Jeter played in his third rehab game for Double-A Trenton last night. He is slated to play tonight and tomorrow for the Thunder and rejoin the Yankees Tuesday night.

Roger Clemens (4-2, 2.49) opposes LHP Barry Zito (5-2, 2.20) today. Andy Pettitte (4-2, 4.43) battles red-hot LHP Mark Mulder (5-1, 2.60) tomorrow.