NOTES

Pitching to and retiring one batter (Piazza) in the fifth inning of Game 4 was the extent of David Cone’s contribution to the Yankees’ World Series drive, and he’s OK with that.

“I’m in no position to ask for anything more,” said Cone, who played an integral role on the Yankees’ 1996, ’98 and ’99 championship teams. “Is it enough? Yeah. I’d love to get back out there again if I can, but, nonetheless, it’s gratifying to be able to do anything at all at this point.”

Cone’s perfect inning of relief in Game 5 of the American League championship series gave Manager Joe Torre the confidence to use the veteran right-hander against the Mets.

“That one inning in Seattle really helped, regardless of whether it was mop-up duty,” Cone said. “But (retiring Piazza in a 3-2 Yankee win) surely means something. You get one big out, you contribute to the win, everybody’s happy. It means a lot.”