YANKEE NOTES

TAMPA – Now that Alex Rodriguez is a Yankee, the club is back to talking with free-agent first baseman Travis Lee.

According to a high-ranking Yank official, the lefty hitter could be in pinstripes in a “day or so.”

The Yankees and agent Scott Boras talked last week about the 28-year-old Lee joining the Yanks, but never swapped offers.

Expect Lee to sign for about $2 million and either become the regular first baseman or Jason Giambi’s backup. If Bernie Williams beats out Kenny Lofton in center, Giambi could then be shifted to DH, and Lee would play first.

* With all the buzz about A-Rod, the Yankees weren’t sure if Aaron Boone underwent surgery on his left knee yesterday. Surgery was postponed last week because of a rash on the knee.

* Here are four of the five minor-league players the Rangers have to choose from before Opening Day to complete the A-Rod trade: OF Rudy Guillen, SS Joaquin Arias, 2B Robinson Cano and RHP Ramon Ramirez. LHP Sean Henn may be the fifth name.