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Wednesday, May 24
Reports say HenryRod, Surhoff also options


Sammy Sosa
Sosa

Juan Gonzalez
Gonzalez

CHICAGO -- The New York Yankees need an offensive boost. Getting Derek Jeter back from the disabled list will certainly help, but they're apparently looking outside the organization for help, as well.

Owner George Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman met Monday in Tampa, Fla. Reports say Jose Canseco, Juan Gonzalez, Henry Rodriguez, B.J. Surhoff and Sammy Sosa are on a list of players the Yankees might consider acquiring. The Devil Rays insisted Tuesday night, however, that Canseco is not close to being traded to New York.

Jeter takes BP
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Derek Jeter took live batting practice Wednesday for the first since being placed on the 15-day disabled list last week with a strained abdominal muscle.

The New York Yankees shortstop hit in a 10-minute group with minor league catcher Mitch Evans at the team's player development center. Jeter, who is eligible to come off the DL on Saturday, is scheduled to take live batting practice again Thursday. His status for playing in a minor league rehab game also may be determined Thursday.

Meanwhile, owner George Steinbrenner met with his baseball officials for the third consecutive day. The Yankees began Wednesday with eight losses in 11 games, and Steinbrenner is concerned with the team's lack of offense.

"I can't comment on players that are on other teams," Yankees manager Joe Torre said Tuesday before the Yankees opened a three-game series in Chicago against the Chicago White Sox.

The two-time World Series champions came in with just three victories in their last 10 games.

"We have had problems at times with our offense, but we are banged up a little bit," Torre said, adding he had not talked recently with Steinbrenner.

"I think you are always looking to help your club, but a lot of that depends on what you have to give for that. There is nothing that is supposed to happen right now."

Left fielder Ricky Ledee has struggled, and the Yankees miss the DH presence of the retired Chili Davis. Jeter is sidelined with an abdominal strain and second baseman Chuck Knoblauch has been bothered by a sore wrist.

"The problem we have right now is with experience with Ledee and (Shane) Spencer. Last year we had Chili. We had veterans in that spot and we're trying to do it with young kids now and it's been a little sporadic, plus we've had injuries. I think once we get healthy and get Jeter back, we'll be more consistent," Torre said.

Asked if the Yankees would be interested in a home-run hitter or a high-profile star such as Sosa, Torre said:

"I really don't know. The last time I checked (George) was The Boss. So if he's interested in someone, I'm sure there is a possibility that that could happen. He can do anything he wants, but it's a matter of satisfying a team if you happen to get a player from them."

How about Canseco?

"I don't think he's gotten enough credit for his resiliency with all his injuries," Yankees pitcher David Cone said. "He's still got good bat speed. Does he fit here? I don't know. That's for the front office to worry about."