MLB

YANKEES SIGN RICHIE SEXSON

A rumor was prominent that the Yankees were pursuing Barry Bonds. But reality was different.

The Yankees are not after Bonds or currently stalking any high-profile position player on the trade market.

Instead, the most they are currently planning to do is augment their bench depth, which they began to do today by reaching a contract agreement with Richie Sexson, who was released July 10 by the Mariners.

The Yankees are willing to pay the roughly $161,000 prorated minimum to see if Sexson can help with their deficiency against lefty pitching. Sexson was so miserable for the Mariners that they cut him despite being on the hook for all but that pro-rated minimum of his $14 million deal this season.

But Sexson did hit .344 vs. lefty pitching this season with five homers in 61 at-bats. In the AL, only Texas’ Milton Bradley (1.186) and Boston’s Kevin Youkilis (1.061) had a higher OPS vs. lefty pitching (minimum 50 plate appearances) than Sexson’s 1.045. So the Yankees, with their susceptibility to southpaws, decided to take a flyer.

The Yankees had hoped either Shelley Duncan or Morgan Ensberg would fill this role this season. But Duncan was so bad he was demoted to Triple-A, where he separated his shoulder, likely lost for the year. Ensberg was released.

The Yankees envision Sexson starting against lefties, likely beginning Saturday against Oakland southpaw Greg Smith. If Sexson handles the role well, it would not be surprising if he became the regular first baseman against lefties with Jason Giambi going to the bench and Jorge Posada at DH. Perhaps just as important, Sexson provides a righty alternative off the bench late in games.

As for Bonds, Brian Cashman said, “We have had no discussions regarding Barry Bonds.”

The Yankees GM did not want to comment further on the controversial home run king. But multiple Yankees officials said they would not pursue Bonds because 1) He has not played since last season and, at age 44, they did not know what shape he is in, how long it would take him to get ready (if he could get ready) and how long his body would endure regular play even as a DH, and 2) They did not want to be involved with an unpopular, disgraced, potentially disruptive player currently under federal indictment.

A healthy/productive Bonds actually might have a role with the Yankees because the organization believes Hideki Matsui will be lost for the season with a need for left knee surgery.

The Yankees do expect Johnny Damon (shoulder) to return by the end of the month.

Sexson was hitting .218 this year (.178 vs. righties) with 11 homers and 30 RBIs. Though he Sexson may help vs. lefties, the Yankees also have been plagued by clutch malfunctions. And Sexson’s .123 average with runners in scoring position is the worst (minimum 75 plate appearances) this year in the majors.