YANKEE NOTES
TORONTO – The idea that Gary Sheffield could be the Yankees’ starting first baseman in Game 1 of the ALDS is very real.
After watching Sheffield go through a prolonged workout at first yesterday afternoon when Don Mattingly instructed Sheffield on the proper footwork and other movements around the bag, manager Joe Torre said Jason Giambi would better serve the Yankees as the DH.
“I would like to DH Jason because we get to keep him in the game longer,” Torre said.
Torre said he doesn’t know when Sheffield might play in a game, although it could be before the current road trip ends Monday in St. Petersburg.
If Torre uses Giambi at first in the postseason, the manager will defense for Giambi from the sixth inning on. It doesn’t mean Torre wouldn’t defense for Sheffield at first, but the idea picked up steam yesterday when Mattingly, Torre and Sheffield said the tutorial went well.
Today, Sheffield’s attempt at returning from left wrist surgery continues with more work under Mattingly and coach Larry Bowa as well as a simulated game in which he will take swings off Ron Guidry.
Sheffield looked comfortable in certain aspects at first and also gave off signs that he has never played the position.
“It’s a complex position,” Sheffield said. “There are so many places to be, like cutoffs and holding runners on, things I never thought of.”
Sheffield worked on fielding ground balls and making throws to second.
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Mariano Rivera flexed his right forearm to show a visitor at his locker that there is no discomfort remaining in the area.
“It feels good,” Rivera said as he flexed.
Rivera will test the strained forearm in a bullpen today. It will be his second time off a bullpen mound, and the Yankees hope the final step before he can pitch in a game Friday against the Devil Rays.