Yankees manager Joe Torre said before Saturday's game that Gary Sheffield will be his postseason first baseman, and Jason Giambi will be a designated hitter.

Yankees lefty Randy Johnson has a herniated disc in his lower back, an injury that could prevent him from pitching in the playoffs next week.

Chien-Ming Wang got the news from pitching coach Ron Guidry that he will start the New York Yankees' playoff opener, and the young pitcher responded in his typically low-key manner.

Randy Johnson and the New York Yankees are hopeful some time off will help the 43-year old left-hander's ailing back.

Alfonso Soriano is close to Mets manager Willie Randolph, who was on the coaching staff of the Yankees during the All-Star's stay there.

Mike Mussina and the Yankees got a scare just over a week away from the playoffs.

Barry Zito is discounting a recent report that neither the Mets nor Yankees was interested in signing him.

If the Yankees elect to decline Gary Sheffield's option for 2007, the Boston Red Sox will make him their number one priority.

Gary Sheffield returned to the Yankees' lineup Friday night, at a new position, for the first time since being sidelined by a left wrist injury in late May.

On Thursday, two media outlets speculated that the Yankees would trade Alex Rodriguez to the Angels this coming winter, but GM Brian Cashman refused to discuss the matter.

Jason Giambi will be out of the lineup this weekend against the Devil Rays with his left wrist injury, and the first baseman may be forced to undergo surgery this winter if the problem doesn't correct itself.

With Arte Moreno publicly stating that he will be adding a significant amount of payroll over the winter, speculation out of Los Angeles is that the Angels will make a run at Alex Rodriguez.

Derek Jeter poured champagne over Joe Torre's head.

German construction company Hochtief said Wednesday its U.

Jason Giambi is quoted at length in an article about Rodriguez in this week's edition of Sports Illustrated, at one point telling Joe Torre that it was time to "stop coddling" Rodriguez and instead be straight with him about his struggles.

Bobby Abreu couldn't contain his smile.

A baseball fan who jumped from the upper deck at Yankee Stadium onto the netting behind home plate was sentenced Tuesday to three years probation.

The Yankees activated right fielder Gary Sheffield from the 15-day day disabled list on Tuesday, and closer Mariano Rivera threw a bullpen session and said he hopes to return this weekend.

Gary Sheffield worked out on Monday with a host of Yanks coaches as he goes through a crash course on how to handle first base.

Joe Torre said Pavano is scheduled to throw in front of the coaches when the team visits the Devil Rays Friday.

The Yankees and Mets have almost no interest in pursuing Barry Zito as a free agent.

A day after the Daily News revealed that a sexy Queens model was in his Porsche when he crashed it in Florida, Carl Pavano's mother rushed to his defense.

The New York Yankees might end their 28-year affiliation with the Columbus Clippers and align with another Triple-A team.

Derek Jeter didn't seem particularly moved by David Ortiz's argument that the Yankee shortstop's season isn't MVP-worthy because he's got so many talented hitters around him.

Apparently Yankees closer Mariano Rivera won't be back anytime this week.

With several key players ailing, the Yankees will receive a boost Monday when outfielder Hideki Matsui returns as the American League East leaders visit the Orioles.

Jason Giambi was held out of the New York Yankees' game against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday with a sore left hand.

Mike Mussina was moved back two days in the Yankees' rotation after developing arm soreness from his previous start.

Ever since Derek Jeter arrived in New York, he has limited himself in what he will discuss with the media and that policy continues when asked about the possibility of winning a batting crown and possibly a MVP.

Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui went 1-for-3 with an RBI single and an intentional walk Wednesday in his first rehab start, for the Yankees' Double-A Eastern League affiliate.

Once the Yankees decline Mike Mussina's $17-million 2007 option - which he expects them to do, he will become a free agent.

Several general managers called Brian Cashman when it appeared as though Alex Rodriguez could not last much longer in New York.

Alex Rodriguez homered twice and drove in three runs Friday night, earning a curtain call for the second straight game in New York's 8-1 victory over the Twins.

There was a huge sigh of relief among the Yankees on Thursday when results of an MRI exam on reliever Mariano Rivera's right arm showed only a mild muscle strain at the elbow but no structural damage.