YANKEE NOTES
ANAHEIM – The early buzz at Angel Stadium yesterday afternoon was how Gary Sheffield was going to handle the
latest media grilling before last night ‘s game. Sheffield ‘s name surfaced in a San Francisco Chronicle article
Thursday in which Larry M. Boyle,Chief U.S.Magistrate Judge in Boise,Idaho,said he was told by Barry Bonds ‘
trainer,Greg Anderson,that Bonds sent him to Minnesota in 2002 to work out Sheffield and check on his blood and
urine.
Boyle sent a letter to Bud Selig on March 16.Thursday,the letter was turned over to former U.S. Sen.George Mitchell,who is heading a special investigation for MLB into steroid use. Each time Sheffield ‘s name surfaces in the steroid issue,he initially says he has nothing to offer.
However,he normally doesn ‘t stop there and says something. Sheffield is a player who always says what he feels,yet it could be a matter of time before he has something significant to say on the matter. Sheffield became a target for questions since his BALCO grand jury testimony was leaked to the Chronicle.
Brian Cashman,asked if the Yankees ‘ organization believes the constant talk of steroids eventually will have an affect on the right fielder,said he didn ‘t know.
“I can ‘t say it ‘s hard to answer,” Cashman said. “Sheff is part of our family and we worry about all our players all the time,on and off the field.”
*
Instead of working out Thursday when they were off,the Yankees held a voluntary early batting practice yesterday at Angel Stadium. Derek Jeter ,Alex Rodriguez ,Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano were among the regulars who took advantage of the early work.Also participating were Bubba Crosby , Miguel Cairo ,Andy Phillips and new catcher Koyie Hill .
*
Claimed off waivers Thursday from Arizona,Hill was in uniform for last night ‘s game as the thirdstring catcher.The Yankees designated catcher Wil Nieves for assignment to make room for Hill. “He was available,a switch-hitting catcher,and our reports were good,” Cashman said of 27-year-old Hill,who was a .231 (27-for-117)big-league hitter. “We are always trying to improve.” Nieves,who is out of options, said in spring training he would prefer not to catch at Triple-A Columbus.However,with other teams ‘ rosters set,,it may be difficult for Nieves to land a big-league gig.If that ‘s the case,hemay consider Columbus if he isn ‘t claimed or dealt.