Youkilis comfortable at the corners

When the Red Sox were trying to sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira before last season, it seemed Kevin Youkilis would be moved from first to third.

Teixeira wound up with the Yankees, and Youkilis kept his spot. But when Boston attempted to trade third baseman Mike Lowell to Texas this winter, Youkilis was mentioned as a potential replacement again.

Not exactly the sort of stability most two-time All-Stars would expect. But while many big leaguers prefer to hold down one position, the uncertainty doesn't bother Youkilis.

He's comfortable at both corners of the diamond, a luxury that gives general manager Theo Epstein added flexibility.

"I just tell Theo I need a raise every year. I just tell him I should get a bonus in there for how many times I move over," Youkilis said, tongue in cheek. "But it's not a big deal. It's fun, and it's all about winning. Whatever you can do to help your team win, that's the key. You can't really worry about all that other stuff."

Although he won a Gold Glove at first base in 2007, Youkilis is adept across the infield as well. Last year, he had a .998 fielding percentage in 78 games at first base and a .974 mark in 61 games at third.

In his six-season career, he's played second base, left field, center and right in addition to first and third.

"A lot of times you have to move because there is an injury," Youkilis said. "It's not like they're just trying to get guys in the lineup and flop guys around."

Youkilis, an eighth-round draft pick by Boston in 2001, turns 31 on March 15. He approached Epstein this offseason to talk about moves - not only Youkilis' moves on the field but other moves affecting the team.

"He wants me to be comfortable," Youkilis said. "I love to be comfortable wherever. I love third, I love first - put me out there. Somebody always says, "What would you choose?' I say it'd be the hardest choice. But I would choose whatever would make the team better."

Rivera throws 1st bullpen session

Closer Mariano Rivera threw 21 pitches on Monday during his first mound session since helping the Yankees win the World Series last year.

Rivera has been on a slower spring training schedule the past few years. The 40-year old right-hander had another stellar season in 2009, going 3-3 with 44 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 66 games.

"Hey Mo, welcome to spring training," Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey joked.

Rivera will work off a bullpen mound again Wednesday and could throw batting practice next week. He should make the first of his eight or nine appearances in mid-March.

"The first bullpen, I feel real good," Rivera said. "I think at this age, I definitely have an idea of what I have to do. It's spring training, you come to get ready. In my case, I don't have to come in and impress anybody. I just have to make sure I'm ready for the season. That's what I try to do."

Rivera, again, said entering the final season of a three-year contract is not a distraction.

"I have a job right now," Rivera said. "It's not like I don't have a job. I'm OK with it. All I have to focus on is, help the team, be in shape and have a great year. After that, it's not in my control."

Also, A.J. Burnett, Saturday's scheduled starter against Toronto, threw 30 pitches in his first batting practice session, while left-handed reliever Damaso Marte and recently acquired right-hander Chan Ho Park also threw off the mound for the first time.

Reyes, Niese look healthy

Jose Reyes was admittedly nervous before the Mets' intrasquad game on Monday. He also said it felt a little weird when he stepped into the batter's box in the first inning.

He put that uneasiness behind him in a hurry.

Reyes hit the first pitch from Tobi Stoner into the right-field corner for a two-run triple, coasting into third in his first game-like setting since he was sidelined for most of last season by an injured right leg.

"I just feel happy that I made it to third base with no problem, at that time," a grinning Reyes said.

"But like I said, there's nothing to worry about. I feel good. No pain, pain-free. I feel good to be playing the game again."

Reyes, a switch-hitting shortstop who has been in the leadoff spot for most of his career, batted third during the scrimmage. Manager Jerry Manuel is toying with the move with All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran expected to miss the start of the season following right knee surgery.

"I feel very confident that he can handle that," Manuel said. "I think it gives us a great balance if we can pull that off."

The Mets also got an encouraging outing from Jonathon Niese, who is coming back after tearing his right hamstring last year. The left-hander struck out the side in the first and worked around a one-out walk during a scoreless second.

"It's a good feeling to face hitters in a game situation. It's been a while," said Niese, who is trying to win the No. 5 spot in New York's rotation. "It's good to get off to a good start."