NewYork.Yankees.MLB.com

By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

Jorge De Paula will start Saturday against the White Sox. (Kathy Willens/AP)

De Paula, a right-hander, was chosen over southpaw Donovan Osborne, who had been the leading candidate for the past month to replace the injured Jon Lieber as the team's fifth starter.

Torre said the decision to start De Paula was based largely on Chicago's lineup, which features right-handed sluggers such as Frank Thomas, Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez.

"They seem to be pretty right-handed," Torre said. "Mel [Stottlemyre] and I have talked about it for a couple of weeks, and that's the main reason. It's nothing that Osborne hasn't done, it just seems to be a better match."

De Paula made his big-league debut last season, pitching in four games for the Yankees. His one Major League start came on Sept. 26 in Baltimore, as he held the Orioles hitless over the first six innings. He lost his no-hit bid with one out in the seventh, leaving the game after 6 1/3 shutout innings.

"That was impressive," Torre said. "I liked that he threw strikes and changed speeds. You don't think that he's going to throw a no-hitter every time he takes the ball, but he has real good stuff."

De Paula struggled this spring, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five outings. He battled a lower back injury in mid-March, but rebounded to pitch well once he returned. Osborne, who went 4-0 with a 3.86 ERA in six games this spring, will continue to pitch out of the bullpen for New York.

"[De Paula] is not as experienced, but we've always conceded that he has better stuff," Torre said. "We hope we're making the right decision. He's a future starter for us."

Bernie called to action: Bernie Williams' 2004 debut in center field wasn't scheduled until Thursday, when the Yankees host the White Sox in their 102nd home opener. But, in a late lineup change, Williams was in center field on Wednesday against Tampa Bay.

Kenny Lofton experienced stiffness in his left thigh, prompting Torre to shift Lofton to the designated hitter spot and Williams to the outfield.

Williams has seen limited action in the field this spring, having missed significant time after an emergency appendectomy.

Trainer tiff continues: General manager Brian Cashman plans to speak with Jason Giambi about the situation involving his personal trainer, Bob Alejo. The Yankees recently received permission from Major League Baseball to allow Alejo to fly on the team charter, but Cashman stressed that the arrangement was for this season only.

"I'm happy that he's able to travel," Giambi said. "That definitely helps me out."

Giambi recently said he would like for this arrangement to continue over the final five years of his contract, but Cashman stressed Wednesday that he didn't see that happening.

"I'll talk to him and we'll put it to bed. I want to clear up whatever misunderstanding he has," Cashman said. "It can always be reviewed again, but the arrangement right now is for this year.

"We've extended courtesies," Cashman added. "Just as you extend a courtesy, you can pull it back."

Alejo was actually employed by the team as a batting practice pitcher in 2002, but was restricted from the clubhouse during the '03 season. Giambi, who began working with Alejo when they were both with the A's, said he was told during his contract negotiations that he would be able to work with Alejo.

"It was discussed," Giambi said. "I'll talk to Brian. He and I have a good relationship, so we'll talk it over."

"This is not a negotiating point, not a part of the contract. It was a courtesy extended after the agreement was done," Cashman said. "It's not a contractual obligation. It never was, it isn't currently and it won't be going forward."

Cashman spoke with Arn Tellem, Giambi's agent, on Wednesday, and the GM said he and Tellem are "on the same page" with regards to the issue.

"It shouldn't be that big an issue," Cashman said. "We have bigger and more important things to be dealing with than this. But it's important to him, so it's become important to me."

Torre is hoping the issue doesn't become a distraction for Giambi.

"Nobody can help Jason between the lines. We've discussed that, and he knows it," Torre said. "I don't think he needs anybody, but a lot of players are superstitious and they become creatures of habit. It's something he's always had."

Playing Posada: Jorge Posada will likely be behind the plate for Thursday's home opener, but Torre said he planned to rest his starting catcher at least once over the weekend.

"I want him to play tomorrow, because Opening Day is a big day," Torre said. "Over the next couple of days, he's going to have to sit."

Mark Feinsand is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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