Irabu Isn’t Impressing His Opponents

Hideki Irabu makes his third start for the New York Yankees tonight, facing the Brewers in Milwaukee. The Yankees say his 2-0 record is evidence enough, but the jury is still out on the $12.8-million right-hander.

Detroit Tiger center fielder Brian Hunter dismissed Irabu’s impressive debut, saying Irabu didn’t belong in the majors, and the Cleveland Indians weren’t awed by his five-inning stint amid scorching temperatures in Tuesday’s 12-6 victory.

“Average fastball, average forkball, average changeup,” David Justice said. “He’s just average.”

And what does average mean?

“Average to me means I don’t have to worry about his fastball,” Justice said. “I was behind 0-and-2 against him and I was looking for his off-speed pitch because I knew he couldn’t throw the fastball by me.

“I mean, don’t believe the hype. There’s some bad [dudes] in this league, but he ain’t one of them.”

One thing, of course: Irabu is probably in the last stages of spring training. The arm that produced comparisons to Nolan Ryan in Japan may not be 100% yet.

Also, those who saw Irabu in Japan say his motion has been altered so much to avoid balks and base stealing that he may have sacrificed some velocity and deception.

Average? Owner George Steinbrenner was quick to defend his investment.

“I don’t see where Justice gets off making his statements about Irabu,” the Boss said.

“I used to think a lot of him. I think a lot less of him now. To me, it’s always good to be silent when you get your . . . kicked. He should have been asking which way to the shower.”

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The Yankees have more to worry about than an Irabu debate. The offense has been reduced basically to Tino Martinez and Paul O’Neill.

Bernie Williams is on the disabled list for a second time because of a groin injury, Tim Raines (hamstring) and Darryl Strawberry (knee surgery) won’t be available until mid-August, and Cecil Fielder (broken thumb) may be out for the season.

The situation has created a field day for New York newspapers speculating as to which hitter the Yankees are most avidly pursuing. The Post said it’s Chili Davis. The New York Times suggested Jose Canseco. The Daily News featured Dante Bichette. Newsday said it’s Mike Stanley.

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Many newspapers and electronic outlets reported that Albert Belle received a $50,000 All-Star bonus for doing nothing in Cleveland.

He did nothing, but his contract does not include a $50,000 bonus.

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The Seattle Mariners, trying to hold off the Angels, might give up top pitching prospect Ken Cloude in the right deal, which could translate to Philadelphia closer Ricky Bottalico or Toronto’s Mike Timlin, but they will not give up left fielder Jose Cruz Jr. . . . The Phillies’ Curt Schilling remains the hottest commodity as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline nears, with even the pitching-rich Atlanta Braves in pursuit. The Braves would use Schilling as a fifth starter and insurance if Greg Maddux leaves as a free agent. “Number five?” Schilling said of his possible role. “They have about 11 Cy Youngs over there.”