YANKEE NOTES
TAMPA – With each day that sails by without Rondell White taking batting practice, the reality that White may not be fully recovered from a left rib-cage problem in time for Opening Day becomes stronger.
However, the Yankees aren’t pursuing a long-term solution to the often-injured left fielder. And despite the need for somebody to replace Ruben Rivera, they aren’t knocking down doors for a fifth outfielder that can play center field in the event Bernie Williams goes down for a spell.
“[White] is progressing nicely,” GM Brian Cashman said yesterday when the Yankees enjoyed their only day off of the spring. “Every time we have increased his workload he has been fine. We are taking baby steps. If he keeps progressing, Opening Day is still a possibility. But if he starts to feel anything … ”
White, who signed a two-year deal worth $10 million, suffered the injury on Feb. 26 while swinging in a flip drill. Today, he will take part in the same exercise for the first time since the injury. If there are not setbacks, White is looking to take BP by the end of the week and play in games shortly thereafter. The Yankees don’t believe that his feeling something “funny” when throwing Saturday was a big deal. However, he was instructed not to throw Sunday.
Joe Torre said that if White isn’t at least taking BP by the end of the week, it’s possible he won’t be ready for the April 1 opener.
If White isn’t ready, it could open the door for Juan Rivera to be the starter in left field on Opening Day. While the Yankees don’t want to rush their top outfield prospect, if he was going to play every day just until White returns, it’s an option they feel is worth considering.
While his teammates relaxed yesterday, White was at Legends Field for treatment.
As for Ruben Rivera’s replacement, Cashman makes his calls but isn’t pressuring anybody to make a deal.
“I still feel we have enough coverage from within,” Cashman said. “We continue to look and listen but Marcus Thames and Juan Rivera have looked good. I saw Thames play center field in Vero Beach and he looked good.”
Joe Torre has talked up utility man F.P. Santangelo, and Gerald Williams is under contract for $2 million.
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According to Cashman, the tests done on Drew Henson’s left ankle came back negative and Andy Pettitte felt no discomfort yesterday after throwing in the bullpen Sunday. Pettitte, who is nursing a mild strain in the left elbow, is slated to hurl in a minor-league game tomorrow.
