YANK NOTES

Jorge Posada has been an All Star selection twice and this year was voted onto the team by the fans during a season in which perennial starter Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez missed extensive time due to knee surgery. However, there is one more goal left for the Yanks’ switch-hitting catcher.

“I want to beat him out when he is healthy,” Posada said of his good friend, Rodriguez, who called to congratulate his former winter workout partner. “I want to be the front guy and him be the backup. I will see if I can do it next year.”

Posada is one of six Yankees going to Milwaukee for the July 9 All Star Game. Jason Giambi and Alfonso Soriano also were voted in. Joe Torre, the AL manager, selected Derek Jeter, Robin Ventura and Mariano Rivera to join them.

It’s the third time a team has had five infielders (including the catcher) make the All Star team. The 1969 Cubs and the 1976 Redswere the others.

“It says a lot because it only has been done [twice],” said Jeter, a five-time All Star who has never been voted in. “We have a lot of guys having good first halves. It’s great to be a part of.”

Asked if he thinks he will ever be voted in, Jeter said, “If they promote the way they do at other ballparks … but I don’t have an idea.”

Soriano wore a huge smile talking about being voted in during his second full season.

“It’s amazing,” Soriano said. “I am happy about it. My second year and I am an All Star. A lot of players take a long time.”

Giambi, who will swing from his shoes during the Home Run Derby Monday night, is a three-time All Star. This is the second time he has been voted in.

“It’s exciting when the fans vote you in,” Giambi said. “Especially when you come to a new town and play well. For the fans to support you is exciting.”

Ventura’s selection comes 10 years after his last one. “It’s a pleasant surprise,” said Ventura.

Rivera, who was taken by Torre last year but scratched because of a right foot problem, missed two weeks with a groin injury but he assured Torre he can handle the All Star Game.

“It’s always an honor for me,” said Rivera, a four-time All Star. “If my leg feels good I will be there.”

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The Yanks were without outfielder Shane Spencer and utility infielder Ron Coomer last night against he Mets. Spencer received a cortisone shot for his sprained left wrist Saturday. Coomer has been out nine days with a pinched nerve in his neck.

Torre hopes to have both available tomorrow night.

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Torre and Mel Stottlemyre huddled yesterday to discuss their rotation for next weekend. It’s possible Ted Lilly will be replaced by Orlando Hernandez for Friday or Saturday’s game. The Yankees may want to give Andy Pettitte, last night’s starter, an extra day of rest.

Joe Torre named three Yankees – Derek Jeter, Robin Ventura and Mariano Rivera – to the AL All-Star team yesterday to join starters Jason Giambi, Alfonso Soriano and Jorge Posada in the July 9 game at Milwaukee, giving the Bombers five more players than the Mets, whose only NL All-Star will be starting catcher Mike Piazza.

SUBWAY STARS

MIKE PIAZZA

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

239 33 68 15 46 0 .285

JORGE POSADA

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

263 44 69 13 50 1 .262

JASON GIAMBI

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

291 53 92 21 64 1 .316

ALFONSO SORIANO

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

339 58 109 18 46 23 .322

DEREK JETER

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

331 57 101 11 39 18 .305

ROBIN VENTURA

AB R H HR RBI SB AVG

240 39 61 19 57 2 .254

MARIANO RIVERA

IP H ER BB SO W-L SV ERA

28.2 18 5 8 291-3 19 1.57