Jose

Contreras

''He’s got 2 1/3 innings pitched,’' GM Brian Cashman said. ''Two-point-one. I think it’s a little premature to think about anything with him.’' Manager Joe Torre said the Yankees will keep sending Contreras to the mound to keep his confidence up.

''At this stage we have not given it consideration,’' GM Brian Cashman said. ''Is it possible we will? Yes.’' Contreras has a 10.80 ERA and needs to work on his control. The Yankee Stadium mound isn’t the best place to do that.

With the acquisition of Tanyon Sturtze yesterday, the Yankees have another option for their 5th starter spot. Said manager Joe Torre, “I’m doubtful that this start (today) will be the end of it...I think you need to have a couple of (solid outings)... I don’t think it’s fair to him to call him up.” It looks like the Yankees will be patient with Contreras in the minors, so don’t expect any help from him on your fantasy team for a while yet.

Contreras is in Tampa working on his confidence and mechanics. He’ll make at least one start for Triple-A Columbus before returning, so he’s still at least a week away from joining the Yankees. Said manager Joe Torre: ''With the situation we’re in, he could figure very prominently in that stopgap [role] to [get to the] closer.’'

El Duque will start the fourth game.

Contreras threw one perfect inning and struck out two. His fastball topped out at 96 mph. Clemens is expected to start. After all, he’ll be going for win number 300 in Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox on Memorial Day -- quite a stage. But it does appear that the Yankees are getting eager to see how their prized Cuban free agent looks as a starter.

This is an interesting situation. If Contreras has a strong game, it might not really prove anything, since it would be against the Tigers. However, George Steinbrenner has said he would prefer that his prized free agent be in the rotation, while Jeff Weaver, who has struggled, goes to the bullpen, where Steinbrenner points out he was successful last year. Manager Joe Torre, meanwhile, prefers to keep Contreras in the pen until there’s a need. A lot hinges on the performance of Contreras tonight and Weaver tomorrow.

Our guess is that manager Joe Torre will stick with Weaver. Both Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre insist they won’t be swayed by owner George Steinbrenner’s desires, and Torre usually doesn’t like to make changes until it becomes obvious that a switch is needed.

Contreras may make one more start with Columbus, our could join the Yankees within a week.

Normally, it takes 10 years before a player can become a free agent in Japan, but the 28-year-old Uehara says there was a handshake agreement with the Yomiuri Giants when he signed out of college that would make him a free agent after five seasons. Uehara went 16-5 with a 3.17 ERA, 190 H and 194/23 K/BB in 207 1/3 IP this season.