[Brian Cashman] spoke with Brian Giles' agent, Joe Bick, again yesterday to stress the team is still interested in the Padres free-agent outfielder. It's at least the sixth time Cashman and Bick have spoken in about 10 days.

According to Cashman, the Yankees need a backup catcher. That seems surprising; John Flaherty did well when he was entrusted with Randy Johnson's starts last season. Johnson and Jorge Posada didn't mesh.

Cashman said he isn't looking for a first baseman/DH because he expects first baseman Andy Phillips to make a strong showing this spring. If Phillips can win the first-base job, Jason Giambi can predominantly be a DH.