NOTES

While most cringe at the thought of facing Arizona left-hander Randy Johnson’s blazing fastball and knee-buckling slider, New York Yankee utility player Randy Velarde won’t be shaking in his spikes against the Big Unit today.

Velarde, who will probably replace Tino Martinez as New York’s first baseman for Game 2, has a lifetime .452 average against Johnson, with 19 hits in 42 at-bats, including a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 11th inning in Game 5 of the 1995 American League division series.

Johnson’s Seattle team came back to win that game on Edgar Martinez’s two-run double in the bottom of the 11th.

“I have no idea why I’ve done so well against Randy; he’s just one of those guys I get hits off of,” said Velarde, who played some first base with the Texas Rangers this season. “He’s an intimidating guy. You’ve got to hit his fastball because for me, it’s easier to hit than the slider. He’s thrown that thing at my back leg before. When he gets that pitch over, he has no-hitter type stuff.”

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One Yankee who won’t feel too comfortable in the batter’s box today is Game 2 starter Andy Pettitte, who has the misfortune of swinging from the left side.

“It’s exciting playing in a National League park because you want to hit, but it’s kind of a bummer having to face Randy,” Pettitte said. “And now it’s looking like I might be the only left-handed hitter in the lineup. It’s going to be tough to hit off him or even get a bunt down, but I’ll just try to do the best I can.”

Yankee Manager Torre says Pettitte isn’t alone: “There is no left-hander who goes to sleep with a smile on his face knowing he’s going to face Randy Johnson the next day.”

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Torre, whose two-year extension expires after this season, is expected to sign a three-year contract shortly after the World Series ends. Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman’s three-year contract also expires after this season, but he has been in discussions with owner George Steinbrenner about a new deal since the last week of the regular season. “All the ingredients are right to get something done,” Cashman said. “Until George tags me out, I expect to be here.”

New York made one roster change for the World Series, replacing right-handed reliever Mark Wohlers with left-hander Randy Choate. With five Arizona starters hitting from the left side, Torre wanted an extra left-hander in his bullpen, and he said Wohlers hasn’t had enough work in recent weeks to remain sharp.