David Wells may want to pitch for the Yankees, but at this point, the Bombers don't appear to have much interest in bringing the aging lefthander back to the Bronx.
Wells, who turns 45 on May 20, is hoping to pitch a shortened
season, and a return to New York would clearly be his first preference. Gregg Clifton, Wells' agent, hasn't been in touch with the Yankees yet, but he has heard through different channels that Hank Steinbrenner may be interested in a pinstriped return for Wells.
"We'll wait and see what happens over the weekend," Clifton said. "I'm sure the Yankees want to see what they can do in-house first."
Steinbrenner didn't return a phone call yesterday, but a source with knowledge of the team's thinking said the Yankees are not interested in signing Wells, who posted a 5.43 ERA pitching for the Dodgers and Padres last season. but could eventually look for outside help if they decide Igawa and/or Darrell Rasner aren't cutting it.
General manager Brian Cashman wouldn't comment on the possibility of a Wells return, saying only, "Our first inclination is to look from within before we try to do anything outside."
Clifton said Wells, who last pitched for the Yanks in 2003, has been throwing and doing conditioning work, and he would need just two weeks to get in game shape. Wells, who went 68-28 in his first two stints in the Bronx, is looking to make 20-25 starts, much like the abbreviated seasons Roger Clemens pitched for the past couple of years.
