Unit to have back surgery, Giambi to have wrist surgery

NEW YORK -- As if the Yankees didn't have enough to announce, general manager Brian Cashman said Randy Johnson probably will have surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and Jason Giambi likely will have an operation to repair a torn tendon in his left wrist.

After owner George Steinbrenner decided to bring manager Joe Torre back for 2007 and Cashman said the Yankees won't trade Alex Rodriguez, Cashman discussed the rest of the team Tuesday.

Backup first baseman Andy Phillips will have knee surgery to repair torn cartilage. In addition, the Yankees intend to meet with Carl Pavano and the players' association over his failure to initially disclose an August car crash that resulted in broken ribs. Before the team can discipline Pavano, who hasn't pitched since June 2005 because of a string of injuries, it must hold the meeting.

"That will take place. I promise you that," Cashman said.

Randy Johnson is to have surgery on his aching lower back. (AP)

Johnson, who pitched in the playoffs after he was diagnosed with the herniated disc, will be examined by Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles.

"I believe he'll probably have surgery, but we need to hear it from Dr. Watkins," Cashman said.

If he has surgery, the 43-year-old left-hander might not be ready for the start of spring training in mid-February.

"I suspect in theory he would be behind at least a very little bit," Cashman said.

Watkins operated on Johnson's back on Sept. 12, 1996, and the Big Unit made his first start the following year on April 5.

Giambi was hampered by the wrist in the final months of the season, and had at least three injections.

"He'll have a consultation with a hand specialist," Cashman said.

Heading into the offseason, the Yankees must decide whether to exercise options on pitcher Mike Mussina ($17 million or a $1.5 million buyout), outfielder Gary Sheffield ($13 million) and pitcher Jaret Wright ($7 million or a $4 million buyout). The Yankees have until Nov. 5 to decide on Sheffield, Nov. 12 on Wright and Nov. 15 on Mussina.