A model shows the proposed new Yankee Stadium with with a retractable-roof. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        NEW YORK — The New York Yankees and Mets reached tentative agreement with the city Friday to build a pair of $800 million, retractable-roof stadiums.

        Incoming Mayor Michael Bloomberg will have final word on the agreements, which were announced by current Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

        “You can't underestimate the effect on civic pride and the economy of the city,” Giuliani said less than four days before leaving office.

        The $1.6 billion cost of the proposed new ballparks, believed to be the largest private-public venture in baseball history, would be divided evenly between the city and the two teams, Giuliani said.

        The baseball-crazy mayor insisted no new taxes would be necessary to build the new stadiums at sites adjoining the current facilities — Yankee Stadium in the South Bronx and Shea Stadium in Queens.

        Bloomberg, speaking before Giuliani's announcement, insisted the final word on the stadiums still belongs to him.

        “The issue is really, "Can we afford them?'” Bloomberg said. “I will have to take a look down the road as the economy develops.”

        Projections following the Sept.11 terrorist attacks showed the city facing serious financial problems as it rebuilds lower Manhattan and battles a faltering economy.

        WELLS TO YANKS:

        So much for the Arizona Diamondbacks' anticipated trifecta of Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and David Wells.

        The Diamondbacks learned that Wells, who had orally agreed to terms with them on a one-year contract, instead struck a deal with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to return to the Bronx.

        Wells, 38, who was awaiting an examination on his surgically repaired back next Friday that would have finalized an incentive-laden deal with the D'backs, instead will receive a two-year guaranteed contract worth about $7 million with the Yankees.

        The deal is contingent upon Wells passing a physical.

        The Diamondbacks, who viewed Wells as a third starter behind co-World Series Most Valuable Players Johnson and Schilling, were stunned by Wells' sudden change for several reasons.

        First, Wells had orally agreed to terms less than a week after being “recruited” during a visit to Phoenix by managing general partner Jerry Colangelo, general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. and manager Bob Brenly.

        Second, Wells had assurances of being the D-Backs' third starter. His only responsibility was to give Arizona quality innings.

        “This is all pretty disappointing,” Garagiola said.

        METS:

        Mo Vaughn arrived at Shea Stadium, some of his contract deferred, none of his enthusiasm diminished.

        Almost a week after the Mets agreed to trade pitcher Kevin Appier to Anaheim in exchange for Vaughn, the first baseman explained why he was willing to restructure the balance of his contract to make the deal work.

        “I'm lucky to have my finances straight,” he said. “I don't have any debt that causes me to need something right away. I wanted to be here. I wanted this to happen and they did, too. If it helps the club, even better, I felt. It's all worth it.”

        General manager Steve Phillips and agent Jeff Moorad labored to finalize the deal. Vaughn was owed $50 million in salary and bonuses for the next three years, what's left of an original $80 million package. Under the new structure, The Angels will pay the remaining $8 million of Vaughn's signing bonus, and some of Vaughn's salary will be deferred each of the next three years.
       The union, which had to sign off on the deal, estimates it will cost Vaughn about $500,000 in present-day value.

        “Mo deferred a big chunk of money,” Phillips said. “He invested in this deal getting done.”

        Vaughn has some ideas on how Phillips can use the leftover money. He summed it up in two words — Juan Gonzalez.

        The free-agent outfielder also is Moorad's client and has said he wants to play for the Mets. Vaughn would be delighted to have him.

        “I know Steve doesn't want to talk about it, but there's another piece out there,” Vaughn said. “I'm not the GM. My guy is Jeff, who's Juan's guy. Juan wants to be here. Anything's possible. I don't think it's done yet.”

        And it won't be unless Phillips creates some room in the Mets $95 million payroll budget. Appier is due to make $9 million next season plus $1 million of his signing bonus. Vaughn's salary for 2002 is $10 million, so the deal is a wash from the Mets' cash flow standpoint.

        What the deal does is change the look of the Mets lineup, giving manager Bobby Valentine a left-handed power hitter behind Mike Piazza.

        “We've changed our team dramatically,” Valentine said. “We have the same kind of payroll but a much different, much better team.”

        Vaughn was one of baseball's biggest sluggers before a torn bicep tendon cost him all of last season. With 299 career home runs and a .298 career batting average, he adds credibility to the Mets' attack

        Vaughn has been working out since September and pronounced himself fit.

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