Henson Makes the Call: Yankees

Choosing between baseball and football, Drew Henson went with his first love.

The Michigan quarterback, in line to be one of the top picks in next year’s NFL draft, agreed Saturday to a $17-million, six-year contract with the New York Yankees and is giving up football.

“To me, there would be no greater goal than to help win a World Series for the New York Yankees,” Henson said. “I will keep memories of the University of Michigan close to my heart.”

Henson, 21, will report to the Yankees on Monday and will likely spend much of the season at triple-A Columbus--where Michigan defeated Ohio State, 38-26, last November in what Henson called the highlight of his college career.

Walking away from his senior season as the Wolverines’ quarterback for a chance at becoming the Yankees’ starting third baseman in 2002 was “the biggest sacrifice I will ever make,” Henson said.

“I wanted to prove I could be a great quarterback, and to this point I have,” he said. By focusing on one sport, Henson said, “it’ll be easier on my body, it’ll be a little easier on my mind. My goal is to get to New York as soon as possible.”

The Yankees originally drafted Henson in 1998 and signed him for a $2-million bonus. Under the new contract, he is forbidden from playing football.

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In a move Larry Walker hopes leads to postseason success, the two-time National League batting champion has agreed to defer nearly half of the $37 million he is scheduled to make over the next three seasons with the Colorado Rockies.

The agreement, in the works since December, allowed the Rockies to sign free-agent pitcher Mike Hampton this winter and could give Colorado the ability to add another high-profile player during a possible playoff run in 2001.

“It took me probably all of three seconds,” Walker said after the deal was finalized Saturday. “I’ve got money. I don’t need to put money in my bank account right now. I can live quite nicely right now where I’m at. It’s a no-brainer.”

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Bret Saberhagen pitched two scoreless innings in his first outing against major league hitters since 1999, highlighting Boston’s 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Fort Myers, Fla.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner underwent reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder after the 1999 season. He pitched in the minors last season and spent most of his time in rehabilitation after the operation.

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Rickey Henderson went hitless in two at-bats in his first spring exhibition appearance for the San Diego Padres.

Henderson, trying to earn a roster spot at age 42, played only three innings and struck out and grounded out against Milwaukee Brewer right-hander Jimmy Haynes.

“Being out there was a great feeling,” Henderson said. “Everything went all right. I just need to get in there and get some time to adjust to different pitchers, different speeds, different breaking pitches.”

General Manager Kevin Towers has suggested Henderson could begin the season at triple-A Portland.

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Nomar Garciaparra is a doubtful starter for opening day because of an injured wrist, and Boston’s star shortstop will fly to Virginia on Monday to see a hand specialist. . . . Roger Clemens will start the Yankees’ season opener against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 2. Also, shortstop Derek Jeter could start the regular season on the disabled list as he undergoes treatment for a right quadriceps injury. . . . Florida right-hander Chuck Smith, projected as the Marlins’ No. 3 starter, hurt his throwing shoulder while running the bases in a 12-9 loss to Montreal. . . . Arizona ace Randy Johnson struck out eight San Francisco Giants in seven innings in his final time facing major league hitters this spring. . . . Sammy Sosa hit his eighth home run of the spring in the Chicago Cubs’ 7-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners.