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IGAWA ENJOYS FIRST TIME AT STADIUM

By GEORGE KING

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December 21, 2006 -- Kei Igawa isn't officially signed to a Yankees contract but that didn't stop the Japanese lefty from being wowed by Yankee Stadium yesterday.

In his first visit to New York Igawa was impressed with a facility he had only heard about. Decked out in a Yankee cap and jacket, Igawa stood on the mound, where the Yankees hope he can taste success.

"I was very impressed with The Stadium," he told reporters outside the ballpark following a tour. "I am looking forward to playing in New York and I can't wait to pitch in The Stadium."

Igawa, who the Yankees have agreed to a five-year deal worth $20 million after winning the negotiating rights to him with a $26 million posting bid, will take a physical today and leave for Japan Saturday.

*

So who is the best fit at first base for the Yankees? That depends on who is asked about free agents Shea Hillenbrand, Doug Mientkiewicz and Mark Loretta and holdover Andy Phillips.

While GM Brian Cashman said "there is nothing to report" there is plenty to mull.

Hillenbrand's productive right-handed bat and average defense make him the best decision in some eyes. But, after making $5.8 million last year with the Blue Jays and Giants, the 31-year-old wants a multi-year deal and the Yankees are looking at the hole as a one-year gig.

Mientkiewicz, who was paid $1.85 million last year by the Royals, offers airtight defense and the 32-year-old wants a one-year deal that would work for the Yankees. But he bats left-handed and the Yankees are fearful of being too left-handed.

Loretta, a second baseman, is intriguing because he is a .299 career hitter. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old lacks the pop that's normally required from an American League first baseman.

Then there is Phillips, who Cashman insists he would be comfortable using at first again. Cashman said he believes Phillips is a better hitter than he showed last year when he batted .240 in 246 at-bats (110 games).

*

The proposed three-way deal that involves the Yankees, Pirates and Braves has stalled because the Braves want second baseman Jose Castillo in addition to lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez from the Pirates for left-handed hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche.

If the Braves get Gonzalez they want to send him to the Yankees for Scott Proctor and Melky Cabrera, a package that's too rich for the Yankees.

*

Having undergone a physical Tuesday in New York, Andy Pettitte's signing will be officially announced today when the veteran lefty speaks via conference call from Houston. Pettitte, 34, had to return home for a family holiday party.

george.king@nypost.com

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