More of the same, and that means the Yankees still will be playing come October. Howfar they go this time in search of a fourth World Series title in five years will depend on a variety of factors, particularly the health and productivity of 35-year-plus right-handers David Cone, Roger Clemens and OrlandoHernandez. There was nothing more than minor tinkering done to the lower half of the roster, as veteran position players Chili Davis, Joe Girardi, Chad Curtis and Luis Sojo have departed, as have pitchers Hideki Irabu and Dan Naulty. You will see some younger and less-expensive players in their place, as George Steinbrenner has stated that he will keep his payroll under $100 million despite the expected mega deal for Derek Jeter. Davis' departure will mean plenty of opportunity for Darryl Strawberry, while Curtis' loss gives Ricky Ledee and Shane Spencer chances to play more regularly. Roberto Kelly and Clay Bellinger could play key utility roles. Ed Yarnall gets a shot at the No. 5 spot in the rotation, while Mariano Rivera, Mike Stanton, Jeff Nelson, Allen Watson and Jason Grimsley all return in the pen. A backup catcher still needs to be found, and you have to wonder about Chuck Knoblauch's throwing.

THE PRESSURE IS ON: Nobody appears better suited for New York superstar status than Jeter, but if he gets the game's biggest contract as expected, anything less than his usual production may bring a few Bronx cheers his way. That's just the way it is for pinstriped superstars.