For Now, All’s Wells That Ends Wells

David Wells has returned to the Yankees as a slimmer, and reportedly more health-conscious, pitcher than he was when he played for New York in 1997 and 1998.

John Harper of the New York Daily News commented on the change in his lifestyle: “With the help of a personal trainer he hired after his back surgery in July, Wells went from party animal to workout fanatic.

“He lost 30 pounds and dropped his body fat to 15% from 23%. He even gave up beer for six months.”

Said Wells: “I’ll still go out and have a social cocktail, I’m sure there will be times when I’ll have more than one or two. But it’s really not a big part of my nature anymore.”

At least, in the spring.

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Trivia time: Who holds the men’s NCAA Division I basketball record for points in a game?

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Perfect match: Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle on Bill Romanowski joining the Oakland Raiders: “They lost their beloved coach [Jon Gruden], their aging players have aged another year, and the only thing that can save this team is an infusion of dark and menacing attitude.

“Romo just might be the man who can lead the Raiders back to the Stone Age.”

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More Romo: “I’m glad Romanowski has joined the Raiders,” Chronicle reader Michael Cannon said. “But since he was acquitted on charges of illegally obtaining prescription diet pills last year, I’m surprised he had enough of a criminal record to qualify.”

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Lame excuse: Mike Piazza commenting to the New York Daily News about the owners blaming the players for making too much money: “It’s like smokers suing the cigarette companies or the obese people suing McDonald’s. Nobody forced them to overspend.”

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He’ll fit in: Ken Rudulph of Fox’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period” on John Rocker’s movie role as a homicidal maniac who slashed teens at a country club birthday party: “Rocker had such a good time making the movie, he plans to star in another horror film this summer titled, ‘The Texas Rangers Pitching Staff.’”

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First things first: Ron Rapoport in the Chicago Sun-Times: “That’s a good idea to put ivy on the outside of Wrigley Field.

“Now, how about some players inside.”

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Looking back: On this day in 1957, Lou Filippo was declared the winner over Carlos Ortiz at Hollywood Legion Stadium. Referee Dick Young disqualified Ortiz for hitting after the bell in the ninth round.

Within an hour, State Athletic Commission officials changed the verdict to “no decision.”

Ortiz went on to win the world lightweight title in 1962.

Filippo retired and later became a world-class referee, working more than 100 championship bouts.

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Trivia answer: Frank Selvy of Furman, 100 points against Newberry on Feb. 13, 1954.

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And finally: When Chicago Bull forward Charles Oakley was told that he would play less than his younger teammates for the remainder of the regular season, this was his reply: “I’m cool with whatever. I’ll just keep eating my bread, sipping my soup and serving my time. But the chicken is going to lay some more eggs one day.”

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Mal Florence