NEW YORK YANKEES--- Phil Speranza

As it stands right now the 2001 Yankees aren't going to be too different from the 2000 squad. Gone are David Cone and Jeff Nelson, the latter being the bigger blow. The former may be addition by subtraction. Coney served us well, I wish him well, but I hope he doesn't embarrass himself.

The only difference in the outfield would be the return of Shane Spencer and the possible acquisition, pending on the physical, of Henry Rodriguez. They are expected to be platooned in LF. Well if he had the same doctor as David Justice check him out there should be no problem. How did David get through a physical with a double hernia, although I am glad he did.

The big factor is our Yankee family will be age. Everyone is a year older. Can Paulie give it one more shot? Will the Rocket still be the Rocket? How old is El Duque anyway? Who will fill the spot in the starting rotation?

If you have an arm you too can gain an invite to the Yankee training camp. The Yankees invited our old buddy Scott Kamieniecki, along with Matt Karchner and Jeff Sparks, who all pitched in the majors last season as non-roster players. Former major league pitchers Mike Bertotti and Domingo Jean were among the 22 invites, as were RHPs Dwight Gooden and Brian Boehringer, who previously signed minor league contracts with the Yankees. Jean and Boehringer have pitched for the Yankees before.

Gotta go to Mo? But enough is enough. The Yankees apparently are intent on holding firm on their standing offer to Rivera of $27 million over three years. There has been speculation that they would add another year at $9 million, making the deal worth $36 million, but there are some members of the Yankees' braintrust that are against the idea of giving a reliever a deal for more than three years.

George (Steinbrenner) is willing to keep this guy the highest-paid reliever in baseball, but he's not about to get into any record-breaking contracts," a source said. Rivera is a valuable part of our team and the offer is more than fair. How much is he worth? Mariano should be happy that there is a chance that his hero John Wetteland may be back in pinstripes next season but he will need another number. His #35 now belongs to Mike Mussina who took it right off the back of Clay Bellinger.

The last two top picks are coming to Tampa this spring. David Parrish, the Yankees' top pick in last year's amateur and a member of the Staten Island Yankees was among 22 non-roster players invited to spring training next month in Tampa, Fla. The 22-year old catcher batted .240 with 4 home runs and 29 RBI for the Baby Bombers. He was also tied for the league lead in doubles with 20 and is considered a top defensive player. Another graduate of the S.I. Yankees, pitcher David Walling, was also invited to camp. Walling was the team's top pick in the 1999 draft. He combined for 12 wins playing for Class-A Tampa and Class-AA Norwich last season. Don't expect either of the kids to be rushed.

David Wells will be hanging his hat in the windy city with the Pale Hose this season. Derek Jeter's agent is in negotiations with the team.

Who fills out the back of the pitching staff? The fifth starter role is open with no clear favorite in the race. With Jeff Nelson's departure it leaves a hole in the bullpen on the right side, and while Jason Grimsley did perform very well, he did provide innings. Who will take up the slack?

Who plays second? If Knoblauch can throw to first, can Joe Torre continue playing him out there? Will D'Angelo Jimenez get his chance and bounce back from that season missing injury? If El Duque's elbow is sound, he's the only good bet to improve in 2001. Rookies Ted Lilly and Randy Keisler could make an impact, but neither was impressive in his September call ups. This season they need to be ready. Adrian Hernandez is wowing everyone down in Tampa so look for him to make an impact in 2001.

Paul O'Neill hit uncharacteristically well against lefties last year, but will it continue? Does he have another year left in him? Tino and Brosius have to return to their former form. The biggest hole is in the set up role from the right hand side. The Yanks have some pretty big shoes not to mention an ego to fill. Are we on the road to another Subway Series? Maybe but it could be another 44 year road. The Yanks will do their best to do their part this year.