Vazquez believes he's better second time around

TAMPA, Fla. - Javier Vazquez was 28 years old when he pitched the first time for the Yankees in 2004, but in his mind he might as well have been a rookie.

"The main thing here is winning and the only thing I can say is I think I'm better prepared [this time] because I've been on some more teams," Vazquez said Wednesday morning. "I feel more mature basically."

He didn't get into specifics explaining that, but said his stops around baseball with the Diamondbacks, White Sox and Braves since pitching in New York have made him more complete, both as a pitcher and person. "Just the experience factor that I've had throughout the years, that is going to help me," Vazquez said.

"I think it's a learning process for players when you come to New York," Joe Girardi said. "It took me a good five or six weeks to find myself. It's an adjustment. Sometimes you can try to do too much, so I really believe his first experience here is going to help him this time."

Vazquez's one forgettable season in the Bronx has been the subject of much discussion. After a good start the righty, battling shoulder fatigue, faded down the stretch, including a disastrous relief appearance in Game 7 of the ALCS when he allowed two homers, including a grand slam to Johnny Damon.

Vazquez, 33, said over time he has learned to take the positives out of that season, after which he was sent to the Diamondbacks in the Randy Johnson trade.

"I didn't want to leave the first time," Vazquez said.

Jorge Posada said Vazquez, having thrown 200-plus innings nine of the last 10 seasons (the exception was 2004 when he threw 198), is perfect for the fourth spot in the rotation.

"I think he's, right now, at the peak of his career," Posada said. "I think we got a guy here that takes a lot of pride of how he pitches. Last time he was here, obviously he wanted to do too much toward the end . . . He didn't say anything but I know he wasn't the same toward the end of 2004. His shoulder was messed up."

Vazquez said he was excited to be on a staff with CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte and on a team that will be among the favorites to win the World Series. "After I got traded here that's the first thing I was thinking: They've got a great team, they did it and we have a chance to repeat," Vazquez said.