"I didn't see that side," Wright said, referring to the friction between Tampa and New York. "I thought the work that I got in down there with the guys and the training staff was plenty, and the attention that you get was great. We would talk with Mel down there and find out where you're at. I thought it went well for me."
Wright is one of seven starters the Yankees have contractual rights to retain, joining Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Chien-Ming Wang, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small. The Yankees' bigger questions are in the bullpen, and replacing Gordon will be important.
Gordon, who worked more games over consecutive seasons, 159, than any pitcher in Yankees history, did not rule out a return. But he made it clear that his priority was to become a closer again. He has 116 career saves and once converted 54 chances in a row.
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