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Area camps

Torre opts for caution with his banged-up Yankee stars

ST. PETERSBURG -- Thursday was supposed to signal a return to the field for two of New York's stars, but manager Joe Torre had other ideas.

Jorge Posada's debut behind the plate was moved to Saturday. Torre said he wanted to give Posada two more days before exposing Posada's surgically repaired shoulder to full-time catching duties.

Posada homered as the designated hitter in the Yankees' 8-5 loss to the Rays.

First baseman Jason Giambi was not with the team because he still feels tightness in his hamstring. Torre said Giambi probably would return Saturday.

FEELIN' GOOD: Roger Clemens allowed three runs on six hits in six innings while walking three and striking out two, but he said for a second spring start everything was fine.

"I felt really good," Clemens said. "I was able to turn a couple of balls loose and I threw more pitches this time, which makes (Torre) happy."

MORE INJURIES: Derek Jeter's strained neck felt "a lot better," Torre said. Jeter, out since Monday, was able to swing a bat and should be able to go through a full workout today. Torre said the shortstop probably would return to action early next week. ... Right-hander Ramiro Mendoza (neck and back stiffness) played catch but was not happy with how he felt. ... Outfielder Rondell White (strained rib cage) is scheduled to begin exercising today and could be swinging by the end of the weekend. ... Catcher Jim Leyritz (strained rib cage), trying to make the team as a backup, will be sidelined for a few days.

TODAY: The Yankees travel to Bradenton to take on the Pirates at 1:05. Left-hander Andy Pettitte is scheduled to pitch against right-handerSean Lowe.

Cooper makes bid to stick

DUNEDIN -- Brian Cooper, acquired from Anaheim for slugger Brad Fullmer in the offseason, pitched three innings of no-hit relief in Toronto's 7-4 loss to Texas, aiding his bid to make the opening day rotation.

"I'm feeling pretty good," said Cooper, 27, who has bounced between the majors and Triple A the past three seasons. "I'm out of options, so I'd like to break with the team and give myself a shot to show them I can pitch in the big leagues. Every time you go to the minor leagues, it's a little tougher to get back up."

Manager Buck Martinez was pleased with Cooper's performance but saved his biggest praise for starter Chris Carpenter, who gave up nine hits and three runs in two innings.

"It's an ugly line, but I'm not worried about that," Martinez said. "I really liked the way he threw the ball. He had a real good fastball."

HOT BATS: Rookie shortstop Felipe Lopez hit his first homer of the spring and drove in two when his fly ball to deep right went off the glove of Texas' Jason Botts. Carlos Delgado hit his third double in two games to lead off the fourth.

TODAY: Toronto travels to Clearwater for a 1:05 p.m. game with the Phillies. Right-hander Luke Prokopec starts.

Glanville sees writing

JUPITER -- Doug Glanville, a Penn grad, is smart. He possesses foresight.

He rents during spring training.

He also rents month-to-month, not for his full three-month stay.

"I did the same thing in Chicago," said Glanville, the centerfielder the Phillies acquired from the Cubs in December 1997. "I knew I was getting traded."

That's because he knows how eager teams can be to bring up prospects, and the top prospect in the organization plays his position.

Marlon Byrd, a 24-year-old package of power and speed, won the last two Paul Owens awards as the best position player in the Phils' system.

Glanville has struggled since 1999, when he batted .325 and was caught stealing twice in 36 attempts. His on-base percentage has dropped from .376 then to .307 in 2000 and .285 last season.

But he is superb defensively, he is a heady player and he is a joy to manage.

"I love him. I love having him in the outfield," manager Larry Bowa said. "Doug Glanville is a class act. Doug Glanville knows if he does what he's supposed to do, he'll be playing in the big leagues."

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