Aurilia, despite his emotional sendoff in the Giants’ final homestand last October, said he isn’t ready to walk away from the game yet. He’s been working out for the past two months, taking swings and doing baseball work, hoping a team will toss a minor league deal his way and invite him to spring training.Aurilia is also good friends with the newest Yankee, Randy Winn.
But he wouldn’t play for just any team. He has two in mind, both of which would allow the Brooklyn native to close the circle on his life in double knits. And while he doesn’t expect the Yankees or Mets to give him a locker, they haven’t said no, either.
“We know nothing is imminent, but hopefully we keep in contact with them,” said Aurilia, who played at St. John’s. “It’s just been preliminary, but they said there could be some interest down the road. So I’m concentrating more on just making sure my body is ready. I still have the desire to compete and play. I can contribute. I’ve been throwing, swinging the bat and actually feel pretty good.”
I honestly see no reason for the Yanks to sign him. After hitting .283/.332/.413 with 10 HR and 52 RBI in 140 games in 2008, he struggled in '09, hitting just .213/.256/.279 with 2 HR and 16 RBI in 60 games. He's versatile, but that's about it.
