Sports: Area camps roundup

Area camps roundup

By MARK DIDTLER, Times wires

Knoblauch's progress: 2 catches in LF

TAMPA -- Chuck Knoblauch will move a step closer to becoming a leftfielder today. The Yankees announced before Thursday night's game against Toronto that Knoblauch will make the trip to Port Charlotte for the game against the Rangers.

Knoblauch made his leftfield debut Thursday, playing six innings in a Class-A game between Tampa and Clearwater. He made two catches, including a semi-over-the-shoulder grab.

"I don't think I'm a leftfielder yet," Knoblauch said. "A long way to go and a lot of work in front of me. Today was definitely a step in the right direction."

Outfield coach Lee Mazzilli called Knoblauch's day "great."

"Today was a steppingstone," he said. "It's something to build on."

QUICK HOPS: Sid Fernandez, bidding to make the roster after not playing since 1997, is scheduled to start against the Rangers. Texas counters with Doug Davis. ... Shortstop Derek Jeter took batting practice and infield and should play this weekend after being sidelined by a right quadriceps injury. -- MARK DIDTLER

Catching duo set

CLEARWATER -- Gary Bennett apparently won the backup catcher's spot when the team announcedChris Turner was released.

Turner, who played for the world champion Yankees last season, was hitless in 13 Grapefruit League at-bats. He signed with the team as a minor-league free agent and, according to the Phillies, was competing with Bennett to play behind All-Star Mike Lieberthal.

Said Bennett: "It would have been nice if they had said, "Come into spring training and it's your job.' But it wasn't to be."

GOING NOWHERE: Negotiations with third baseman Scott Rolen are at a standstill. Agent Seth Levinson is in the Clearwater area, but as of late Thursday, no meeting had been scheduled. -- TIMES WIRES

Rough outing vs. Reds

SARASOTA -- Esteban Loaiza, who gave up five runs in his three previous starts, struggled with his control against Cincinnati and gave up one wind-blown homer after another. In all, he allowed 11 hits and nine runs in four-plus innings, leaving after the first seven batters reached safely in the fifth inning.

COMEBACK KID: Catcher Darrin Fletcher, sidelined by lower back stiffness, played his first game in a week and had a single in three at-bats.

-- TIMES WIRES