TAMPA, Fla. - Thanks to his new Yankees teammates, Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui is adjusting well to baseball in America.

While Matsui is taking English classes, New York shortstop Derek Jeter is learning some Japanese.

"Just talking with guys who have come from different teams, there's a period where you're trying to fit in," Jeter said after working out with Matsui on Wednesday. "I always try to go out of my way to make them feel comfortable."

Matsui realizes the importance of bridging the communication gap.

"It's very difficult to learn English," Matsui said through an interpreter. "Right now I'm learning English. If I can speak English, maybe I can contact with the teammates easier."

Yankees manager Joe Torre plans to meet with Matsui about the outfielder's preparation process this spring.

"To me, I have to try and adjust first and obey the American way and style," Matsui said.

Matsui did not homer in 41 swings during his second day of live batting practice. He went deep six times in 67 pitches on Tuesday.

"Today, I got too many outside balls," Matsui said.

Matsui is expected to start in left field. He signed a $21 million, three-year free agent contract during the offseason.

METS: Jay Bell agreed to a minor-league contract, giving the 17-year major-league veteran an invitation to spring training and a chance to become the starting third baseman.

The 37-year-old Bell hit .163 last season for Arizona, with two home runs and 11 RBI in only 49 at-bats. The two-time All-Star shortstop tore a calf muscle during spring training and didn't return until July 19.

ORIOLES: Outfielder B.J. Surhoff returned to Baltimore, agreeing to a minor-league contract. He will get a $1million, one-year contract if he makes the major-league roster.

Surhoff, 38, played 41/2 seasons with the Orioles before he was traded to Atlanta in 2000.

Surhoff hit .293 in 25 games with Atlanta last season before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

RED SOX: Former Boston Red Sox co-owner and general manager Haywood Sullivan died Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla. He was 72.

Sullivan joined Jean Yawkey to become a part-owner of the Red Sox in 1978 and was general manager from 1978-83. He last worked for the Red Sox in 1993.

CUBS: The Cubs will have a year to settle their dispute with the owners of rooftop bleachers that overlook Wrigley Field.

A federal judge set a Feb.23, 2004, trial date for a lawsuit the Cubs filed. The team contends the rooftop owners violate copyright laws and directly compete with the club for ticket sales.

ASTROS: Infielder Julio Lugo avoided arbitration when he agreed on a one-year contract worth $1,575,000.

COLLEGE: Northern Kentucky University is ranked No.18 in NCAA Division II. The Norse, who last season went 37-24 and won the Great Lakes Valley Conference, are picked co-favorite along with Indianapolis in the GLVC preseason coaches poll.

The Norse begin play Feb.22.

AMATEUR: Cincinnati has been chosen to field a 16-and-under baseball team for the National Junior Olympic Baseball Championships in Jupiter, Fla., June20-28. The NJOBC is a grassroots Olympic development program launched six years ago by USA Baseball in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee. At the tournament, NJOBC officials will evaluate and select players to represent the United States in international competition.

The team, the Cincinnati Blues, will carry 20 players. The Blues will recruit players from area high schools and baseball academies. Interested players should call manager Jeff Hannah at (513) 777-9690.