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Baisley brushes up on Yanks' dos and don'ts
By IZZY GOULD
Published June 9, 2006
LAND O'LAKES - Johnny Damon was courted by George Steinbrenner and awarded a handsome $52-million contract to leave the Boston Red Sox for the rival New York Yankees.
Once known for his long hair and scruffy jaw, neither Damon nor his agent could negotiate a deal to avoid visiting the barber.
Jason Giambi also had his hair and goatee clipped for a $120-million deal and a chance to wear pinstripes. The Yankees' employee manual excludes no one from a clean appearance.
That includes Brian Baisley, who was handed the manual Thursday after he signed a standard minor-league contract, a seven-year deal that pays a monthly salary of $1,100 and a $3,000 signing bonus.
"I thought I'd get a box of Cracker Jacks," Brian said with a laugh.
Former Ridgewood and Saint Leo star Ronny Lowe, selected with the 630th pick in the 21st round by the Toronto Blue Jays, spoke with a team scout and plans to sign a minor-league deal over the weekend.
Lowe will head to Auburn, N.Y., for a shortened season with the Class A affiliate Doubledays.
"(The scout) told me I've got a starting spot in the rotation," Lowe said. "It's a chance to play. I finally know where I'm going."
Former Pasco standout Orlando Rosales, selected with the 579th pick in the 19th round by the Houston Astros, spoke with a scout Thursday and will learn more over the weekend.
Pasco star Lee Cruz signed a minor-league contract Wednesday after he was the 315th pick in the 10th round by the Chicago White Sox.
Brian became the third Baisley drafted when the Yankees made him the 734th pick in the 24th round. Twin brother Jeff was taken by the Oakland Athletics last year in the 12th round, and older brother Brad was a Philadelphia Phillies' second-round pick in 1998.
"There wasn't much negotiating to be done," Brian said. "You take what they offer or you don't play."
Brian went to the Yankees Complex in Tampa on Thursday where he signed a contract and was given a tour. He'll return today - clean shaven - for a workout, then report back Monday for a week of evaluation.
Once that's over, Brian expects to be shipped off to play for the Staten Island Yankees in the New York-Penn League.
Contact Izzy Gould at igould@sptimes.com
[Last modified June 9, 2006, 01:02:10]
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