TAMPA – George Steinbrenner wants to win every exhibition game and Joe Torre is more concerned about making sure his veteran team gets ready for the real deal.

However, The Boss’ hair wasn’t curled before the 3-6 Yankees’ losing streak stretched to five games last night when they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Tigers. At least Steinbrenner wasn’t wild when he spoke to Torre yesterday.

“We talked about another subject. He helped my father-in-law get a private room in the hospital, and I am sure he knew about [the losing streak] by then,” Torre said.

In defense of the two losses Wednesday on the road, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter didn’t play in either game. Last night pitcher Bret Prinz gave up all three Tiger runs.