Yankees pitching prospect Andrew Brackman, center, is feeling more confident...

Yankees pitching prospect Andrew Brackman, center, is feeling more confident this spring. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara

TAMPA, Fla. - Compared to a year ago, Andrew Brackman called his current command "night and day."

The 6-10 righthander picked a good day to show it, throwing a round of live batting practice in front of Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi and Larry Rothschild. Said Girardi, "He's much further ahead than he was."

Brackman, a first-round pick in 2007, threw to Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, Francisco Cervelli and Justin Maxwell. "My first two camps, those BPs would have been awful," he said.

Two seasons ago, Brackman, 25, led the South Atlantic League in walks (76) and wild pitches (26). He continued to have mechanical problems in spring training last year and appeared in only two games, allowing five hits and three runs in two innings. But after struggling at Class A Tampa early last season, Brackman earned a promotion to Double-A Trenton, where he finished 5-7 with a 3.01 ERA in 14 starts.

A-Rod: No CC advice

Alex Rodriguez, who opted out of his contract during the 2007 World Series, was asked what advice he'd give CC Sabathia, who can opt out after this season.

"I'm not the guy that should be giving any advice on anything to do with contracts," he said, smiling. "I know that CC enjoys being a Yankee very much. We love having him here and I don't foresee him wearing another uniform anytime soon."

Extra bases

During long toss in the outfield, Boone Logan airmailed a throw and hit a young girl on the right wrist. Logan went to the dugout and requested an ice pack, which he brought to the girl, who was from New York. She left with the ice pack and a new Yankees T-shirt.

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