"I've stated on many occasions how I wanted to reduce payroll, improve our talent base at the Minor League level and improve our chances of trying to be the best we possibly can be," Cashman said.

"I understand that by making a move here with Randy Johnson, I do put the [pitching] rotation at risk. To take a half-step back, maybe we'll take two steps forward with the greater inventory we have to turn to."

In exchange for Johnson and $2 million in cash considerations, the Yankees acquired reliable reliever Luis Vizcaino plus three Minor Leaguers: pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, and infielder Alberto Gonzalez.

As Yankee fans will soon find out, Igawa is the new David Wells. I’m not talking about pitching style, after hours activities, or body type. I’m talking about the “walks to the beat of his own drummer” mentality that both makes him an intriguing character and a tough opponent.
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I could go on and on about the personal quirks he brings with him to the Bronx, but the gaming is what I believe is the key to understanding Kei Igawa. The single-minded focus that he gives to competition of any kind helps him on the mound. His ability (or personality quirk) that allows him to tune out a pre-arranged interview, while it’s going on, to concentrate on a game of shogi is the same skill he will use to succeed on the Yankee Stadium mound.

"Today, my lifelong dream became a reality, to be a Major League Baseball player," Igawa said. "I want to thank the New York Yankees, especially Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Cashman. I will give you my best as a Yankee. I'm here to do my best to win the championships for this great city, New York." ...

"I cannot believe it," Igawa said. "I'm in awe and of course a bit nervous wearing these pinstripes, knowing and having all this knowledge about the tradition and greatness of the New York Yankees." ...

"We're trying to be very careful and respectful of the process, and not put too much on his shoulders," Cashman said. "He seems like a tough kid and he's obviously pitched in front of big crowds for a very successful organization. At the same time, there's going to be a lot of new experiences for him here in the States and in this league. We'll have to wait and see what we get."

Veteran pitcher Mike DeJean began throwing off a mound last week and remains open to returning to the Rockies. However, other clubs have shown interest, including the Yankees.

The deal won’t become official until Monday after Johnson, 43, completes and passes a full physical in the Valley. But there is strong reason to believe that won’t be an issue and that Johnson will then by introduced during a news conference on Tuesday at Chase Field.

Johnson and his representatives agreed to a contract extension for the 2008 season, which could pay him anywhere from $10 to $14 million or more. The Yankees will pick up $2 million of his $16 million salary for this season, and some of that base pay may be deferred into next year’s contract.

After flirting with Mark Loretta, the Yankees returned to a comfortable, familiar place to secure their utility infielder, re-signing Miguel Cairo for one year at $750,000.

"Once I heard the Yankees and Mr. Cashman were interested, I pretty much shut down everything else," Mientkiewicz said. "I was watching the playoffs last year in my living room, and I remember thinking, 'That's a perfect fit for me.'

"I felt like what I do best can be a huge help to these guys. Once they made it [clear] that they were interested, I put blinders on and said, 'Let's just make it work.'" ...

"I think every kid dreams of playing for the Yankees growing up, and when the situation came about and they called first, you try not to get too excited," Mientkiewicz said. "But my heart was leaning there and I felt like this was a good fit for me to help these guys out."

Yankees broadcaster and former All-Star outfielder Bobby Murcer -- who underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor on Dec. 27 -- has been released from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the team announced Friday.

Murcer, 60, spent New Year's Eve with his family in Houston, before being cleared by doctors to return to his Oklahoma home on Tuesday. Murcer is said to be "up and around," and will report back to the Center early next week for further tests.

"Please tell all my friends up there how grateful I am for their prayers and well-wishes," Murcer told the Daily News by phone from his home in Oklahoma yesterday. "I'm feeling good and I'm grateful to have had the doctor I had for this surgery. I'm hopeful of being able to make it to the BAT dinner."