"There is a growing sense the Yankees want to complete a deal with a lefty-swinging DH before the beginning of spring training, though team officials keep insisting they have very little financial maneuverability to make a deal.

"The prices are still too high," one club official said yesterday.

The Yanks are not offering more than $2 million for the slot and might be unwilling to go much beyond $1 million even. A few weeks ago, the Yanks engaged in negotiations with Raul Ibanez that would have been for a low base with incentives, and there was a sense a deal might be near. It was not complete as of last night, but there was an understanding the negotiations could be rekindled and brought to a rather rapid conclusion at any time."