YANKEE NOTES
ST. PETERSBURG – Kenny Lofton’s words about hitting ninth in Japan and not playing center field when the Yankees get on grass starting tomorrow have been pointed and have some wondering why Lofton isn’t quietly accepting Joe Torre’s decisions.
However, Torre isn’t letting Lofton’s words worry him.
“I never try to keep people from speaking their minds,” said Torre, who will start Bernie Williams in center tomorrow when the Yankees host the White Sox in the home opener at the Stadium. “But I will still do what’s best for the team. I think there are enough people around here to help.”
Torre is hoping that the longer Lofton lives in the Yankees’ clubhouse, he will feel more comfortable.
“I tried to explain to him about hitting ninth and he wasn’t pleased,” Torre said. “Over time, hopefully he will come in and talk about things if they bother him.”
One way for Lofton to play more center would be to avoid taking the wrong path to the ball, as he did on Jose Cruz’ triple in the seventh inning last night. Hitting leadoff for the first time this season, Lofton went 0-for-4 with a walk.
In his first game of the year, Williams went 1-for-3 with a walk as the DH.
* Torre said there was nothing new on his contract extension talks. While in Tokyo last week Torre said there was a chance a deal could get done while the Yankees were in the Tampa Bay area. However, the Yankees leave for New York tonight.
“We are talking,” said Torre, who is dealing with Steve Swindel, a general partner and George Steinbrenner’s son-in-law. “We are both in agreement I want to be here. It’s a matter of getting it to fit.”
When the deal is sealed, it’s expected to be for two years and $13 million guaranteed. Performance bonuses could boost the contract to $18 million.
* Jon Lieber plans to throw off a Tampa mound Friday for the first time since re-injuring the right groin on March 13. He figures three or four mound sessions are needed before he works in a rehab minor-league game.
* RHP Kevin Brown faces RHP Paul Abbott today.