Sojo Drops Managing to Try Comeback

<a href=www.greenwichtime.com>Greenwichtime.com Ken Davidoff April 24, 2003

Anaheim, Calif. - The Yankees thought they had a stud prospect in their farm system last year. But Luis Sojo, who managed the Yankees' Double-A affiliate Norwich to an Eastern League championship, opted against returning to the manager's office in 2003. Sojo still hopes to manage in the major leagues someday, but the Yankees' former utility infielder has a more immediate goal: To return to the big leagues as a player. He plans to begin playing in the Mexican League shortly to see if he attracts any interest. "There's no doubt in my mind, if somebody called me, I'd do it," Sojo, part of the Yankees' 1996 and 1998-2000 championship teams, said yesterday from his Miami area home. "I still think I can do it." Sojo, 38, planned to leave Florida today for his native Venezuela, where he intended to work out for a couple of weeks. He said he has been speaking with clubs from the Mexican League and thought he was close to a deal with one, although he wouldn't identify the team. Even as he managed Norwich last year, Sojo fielded ground balls before every game. The Yankees released him at the end of their 2002 spring training, and he decided to retire rather than play for another team. He still has the itch, though. The Mexican League is considered Triple-A caliber, but it's unaffiliated with major-league clubs. Even if Sojo can't find work in the majors, he wants to stay in shape so he can play next winter in Venezuela. He needs 116 hits, he said, to reach 1,000 for his winter ball career. Only five other Venezuelan players have attained that milestone. Trainer's Room Derek Jeter (dislocated left shoulder) threw from shortstop to first base yesterday at the Yankees' minor-league complex in Tampa. It marked another step for Jeter, and tomorrow he plans to pick up a bat for the first time. Once he is ready to take live batting practice, perhaps by early next week, "Then I think we'll start thinking about a timeline," Joe Torre said yesterday. Reliever Steve Karsay (right shoulder inflammation) did light shoulder exercises only. He'll wait until Sunday or Monday to try throwing again after receiving two cortisone shots on Tuesday. High Praise Sandy Koufax called Joe Torre yesterday; the two speak by telephone occasionally. Of all the Yankees' attributes, one stood out to the Hall of Fame lefthander, according to Torre. "He said, 'I don't think I've ever seen anyone with quicker hands than Soriano,' " Torre said. Administrative Note To make room for reliever Al Reyes on their 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred pitcher Jon Lieber (recovering from Tommy John surgery) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.