New York Yankees: Dwight Gooden is ready to try coaching.

Gooden, currently a Yankees special adviser, will be the pitching coach this summer for the team's rookie ball club in the Gulf Coast League.

"It's something I want to experience and try,'' Gooden said Monday. "I owe it to myself and the organization.''

Gooden, the 1985 NL Cy Young Award winner, went 194-112 with a 3.51 ERA in his career before retiring at the end of spring training two years ago. He then accepted the front-office role offered by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Gooden has worked extensively this year with pitchers in the Yankees' extended spring training program.

"I want to get some experience for the future,'' Gooden said.

If he enjoys coaching and the team likes his performance, Gooden could be among those considered should Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre retire.

The Gulf Coast League season starts June 17 and concludes at the end of August.

Ump forced to leave game: Plate umpire Ed Rapuano left Monday night's game between the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants after being hit by a pitch in the mask.

Mark Carlson moved behind the plate from first base in the middle of the fifth inning and Rapuano headed into the umpire's room.

Rapuano was hit on an odd passed ball in the third. The pitch by Colorado starter Shawn Chacon was never touched by catcher Bobby Estalella, but the ball bounced hard off Rapuano's mask, allowing two runners to advance.

Rapuano fell to his knees, and Giants trainer Stan Conte rushed out to check on him. Rapuano remained in the game for two more innings.