Steinbrenner On Rogers: ‘It’s His Job We’re Talking About’

Predictably, George Steinbrenner reads newpapers back to front, sports sections first. So the owner of the New York Yankees knows about the flap caused in his team’s clubhouse by the $12.8 million signing of Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu.

Several Yankees players, including pitchers Andy Pettitte, David Wells and Kenny Rogers, wondered about investing that kind of money in a pitcher who never had thrown in the major leagues.

“Wells is just a young guy with a fierce competitive nature,” Steinbrenner said. “Pettitte was just questioning the system.”

Then there was the matter of Rogers.

“Next year Irabu makes $2 million less than Rogers,” the owner said. “Rogers was one of those who spoke up. He shouldn’t have spoken out. It’s probably his job we’re talking about.”

Steinbrenner’s zeal for the pitcher was increased in Irabu’s second start for the Yankees’ Class A affiliate at Tampa. When a brushback brawl broke out, the high-priced pitcher was one of the first to join the battle off the bench, causing Steinbrenner to gasp.

“When he went out to pitch, he asked the manager through an interpreter, ‘Who do you want me to drill?’ I like that.”

Indians eye Henderson

The Indians don’t look like a team getting ready to run away with the Central Division title. Rumors persist that they are talking to the San Diego Padres about a trade for Rickey Henderson, who would supplant Julio Franco as the DH and Marquis Grissom as the leadoff hitter. Franco, 34, is showing signs of age. He has hit .235 with no home runs and seven runs batted in since May 14.

Then there’s Matt Williams. The third baseman who was to replace Albert Belle in the cleanup spot is in a 1-for-30 slump that has dropped his batting average to .225. He has hit one home run since May 18.

Felipe the Great

New year. New faces. Same old story in Montreal. The overachieving Expos reeled off 10 straight victories to give pause to the Atlanta Braves in the N.L. East. It has been said before, but it must be said again - Expos manager Felipe Alou is a motivational genius.

“I think he’s the best manager or head coach in all of sports right now,” said Expos pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said. “It’s him. The players come and go. The system stays in place. Without him, they probably would have moved by now.”