Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Olerud To Sign With Yankees

NEW YORK (AP) - John Olerud is headed back to New York, this time with the Yankees. The veteran first baseman is expected to sign with the Yankees either Monday or Tuesday.

New York manager Joe Torre told reporters on Sunday that Olerud will replace Tony Clark as the starting first baseman in the absence of Jason Giambi, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday after being diagnosed with a benign tumor.

Olerud, who turns 36 on Thursday, was released by the Seattle Mariners on July 23 after hitting just .245 with five homers and 22 RBI in 78 games this season.

A career .295 hitter and a three-time Gold Glove winner, Olerud won a batting title with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993.

Olerud is in his 15th major league season, playing with the Blue Jays, the New York Mets and the Mariners. He signed with Seattle in December of 1999 and averaged 100 RBI through his first three seasons before driving in 83 runs and hitting just .269 last year.