Paul

Quantrill

He took the mound yesterday for the 80th time in 2004 breaking Mike Stanton’s 2002 mark of 79. Quantrill is durable if nothing else.

Quantrill is due $3.1 million in 2004 if he stays with the Dodgers, so don’t expect him to opt out. Although Quantrill is one of the best setup men in baseball, no team is going to give him a multiyear deal worth $3 million per season.

Quantrill banged knees with Alex Rodriguez in the season opener two days ago.

Manager Joe Torre believes Quantrill is fine, but he’s been wearing a brace on his right knee since Japan. “I don’t see it as a big issue,” Quantrill said.

Quantrill will be available tonight if needed.

Mariano Rivera, Steve Karsay, Gordon and Quantrill? Can you say overkill? Quantrill, who may also have been offered a contract by the Phillies, expects to have a deal done soon.

This would seem to give the Yankees a bullpen of Mariano Rivera, Tom Gordon, Steve Karsay, Quantrill, Gabe White, Felix Heredia, Chris Hammond and perhaps either Jeff Weaver or Jon Lieber. They’re expected to pay someone to take Hammond, but even if Weaver is in the rotation, Los Angeles or Siberia, it will be the most expensive bullpen of all-time.

Quantrill seemed to aggravate the right knee that has bothered him all year long. Consider him day-to-day.

No results yet. Quantrill might have some cartilage damage in the knee.

Quantrill will make $3 million next year and receive a $400,000 buyout for 2006. The Yankees had to make a decision on the option by Monday.