The Post’s Steve Serby chatted this week with the Yankees’ new center fielder:

Q: How would George Steinbrenner look with your old Caveman face?

A: Like he was straight out of the ’60s (chuckles).

Q: Have you suggested it to him?

A: I’m not gonna do that (chuckles).

Q: What would you say to Yankee fans concerned that cutting your hair will have a Samson effect?

A: Whenever people don’t expect you to do well, I look to thrive. In 2004, I wasn’t being mentioned as a key to the Red Sox. I showed them I’m all about

winning and being a team player. Every time I step to the plate, I look to do damage.

Q: Do you have a barber?

A: I’ve got an old friend who cuts my hair. She’ll fly up to New York (from Orlando). Always comes equipped with scissors.

Q: The weirdest thing you’ve gotten in the mail?

A: Soap.

Q: Haven’t you gotten panties?

A: Yeah.

Q: What did you do with them?

A: Got rid of them.

Q: You were teased as a kid?

A: For stuttering.

Q: How have you solved it?

A: I slow down and collect my thoughts instead of rambling on and having no clue what I’m talking about. I still stutter when people try to interrupt me.

I can’t hear two or three things going on at the same time.

Q: Scott Muhlhan?

A: The first baseman on my high school team. He died of melanoma. He went from 180 pounds to 90 pounds. Just the greatest kid. Unfortunately his life was

cut short.

Q: How long ago?

A: Eight years.

Q: How did it affect you?

A: I was in Puerto Rico playing winter ball watching a football game. He called and told me he was about ready to die. I said, “All right, I’m heading

back home.” He said, “No, there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m going to die. I just wanted to tell you. I love you, and get your baseball game right and

do what we thought you could do.” Him not being afraid to die, being at peace with himself, I really learned to appreciate life and .Ñ.Ñ. enjoy every moment.

Q: The first time you saw Yankee Stadium?

A: I thought of Babe Ruth and DiMaggio and Mantle standing in the outfield.

Q: Do you still race alligators?

A: I actually saw a gator in my backyard yesterday. I was toying with the idea of jumping in to see if I could scare him away. This one was pretty big. I

don’t think I would have scared him too much.

Growing up, we used to mess around with the gators when they were three- or four-footers. They normally don’t hang around if there’s a lot of noise or if

people are around. I wasn’t gonna take a chance yesterday.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A: I’m a very quiet, low-key guy. Very mellow.

Q: Tell kids the key to stealing bases.

A: To feel comfortable, because a lot of times kids get too big of a lead and it slows their reaction time down.

Q: Why have you decided to live in Manhattan?

A: Just enjoy the atmosphere.

Q: Best Jason Giambi story?

A: He’ll give you the shirt off his back. One time I saw him give a sweater to some kid. He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

Q: Did you feel for him when he was going through his health problems and steroid controversy?

A: Absolutely. They were making him out to be a villain.

Q: You filmed a commercial with George Brett when you came up with the Royals.

A: I was in awe. I’m still in awe when I see him. As a child, being a huge Kansas City Royals fan, he was The Man.

Q: Did being compared to him put extra pressure on you?

A: Not really. People wanted it to happen right away. I was scoring runs, stealing bases, I just wasn’t hitting for a high average. Not saying I’m George

Brett’s caliber, but it takes a while to develop.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: Not washing your hands after you use the bathroom.

Q: What actor plays you in the movie?

A: Johnny Depp.

Q: Worst Red Sox moment?

A: When it was time to go.

Q: That was worse than the Aaron Boone home run?

A: Yeah, because we were able to build off that.

Q: You proposed to your wife in a candle-laden hot tub in Martha’s Vineyard.

A: What shocked her more was when we got back to Boston, I had her parents and best friends at her condo and a bus took us up to a Sevendust concert in

Maine. She was thrilled to death.

Q: How many pushups can you do with Michelle on your back?

A: At the beginning of the season, I bet I could do 20. By the time the season’s over, I could barely do three or four.

Q: Cal Ripken was an idol.

A: Being able to play every single day for that long is amazing.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: Ronald Reagan, Babe Ruth, Ernest Hemingway.

Q: If you could be one person for a day, who would you be?

A: President Bush.

Q: Most embarrassing moment?

A: I don’t get embarrassed too much … striking out four times in one game.

Q: Best piece of advice from your mother or father?

A: Enjoy what you’re doing, you’re not gonna live forever.

Q: Favorite athlete outside baseball?

A: Dale Earnhardt.

Q: If I were baseball commissioner, I would …?

A: Shorten the season.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “Forrest Gump.”

Q: Favorite actor?

A: Mark Wahlberg.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Jennifer Garner.

Q: Favorite meal.

A: A nice, big, fat filet.

Q: What do you want to tell Yankee fans about their new center fielder?

A: I can’t wait to start playing in front of them. Our team was put together to win the World Series. It’s gonna be a fun one.