Tanaka set to take next step

TAMPA — Every time Masahiro Tanaka took the mound last spring, there was a buzz to see what the highpriced free agent could do.

That buzz will be there again Thursday when he starts for the first time this spring against the Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field, but for very different reasons, as the Yankees look to see how the righthander’s rehab fromhis elbow injury has gone.

And while both the team and Tanaka have been encouraged by how he has felt this spring, one more setback likely means Tommy John surgery.

“If it declares itself in an adverse way, we’re just going to have to deal with it and do whatever the next course of action is— which would be surgery if he has a problem, you’d think,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “But he’s been great. Everything’s been as good aswe can expect for all those guys thus far. [ Thursday] will be another step in the process.”

One that Joe Girardi admitted was an important one.

“There’s been a lot made of where he’s at,” the manager said. “We’re pretty happy withw here he’s at, but we need to build him up now.”

The manager said he won’t be as anxious as he was when Tanaka first returned last September for his final outings of the season.

“Itwas good he started two games last year, because it would have been an even bigger deal,” Girardi said.

Hideki Matsui was introduced as a special advisor to Cashman on Wednesday.

Cashman said the former Yankee would focus on player development throughout the minor league system.

“It could evolve into something bigger,” Cashman said of Matsui’s future with the organization.

Matsui would need to improve his English if he intends to be a fulltime coach or manager in the US.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Matsui said through a translator. “Maybe this would serve as a foundation if I do take that path.”

Carlos Beltran got his first hit and RBI of the spring and is now 1for10.

“I felt better today,” he said. “I finally saw the ball good. My first three games, most of my atbats I haven’t really seen the ball.”