John

Flaherty

Yankee manager Joe Torre believes that Flaherty is more patient with Contreras than starting catcher Jorge Posada is, despite the fact that Contreras and Posada speak the same language. Contreras has had two very positive outings with Flaherty behind the plate, so who are we to argue?

Both are represented by agent Alan Nero. “I am very confident about John,” Nero said. “And with Miguel we aren’t as close as John, but I am still confident.”

That’s a $25,000 raise for Flaherty, who will spend a third season as Jorge Posada’s backup.

Flaherty, 37, hit .252/.286/.465 in 127 AB as Jorge Posada’s backup last season. His salary won’t change much from the $775,000 he made in 2004.

Flaherty hit only .165 in 47 games with two homers and 11 RBI. “To me, pitching is such a huge part of the game. And when you see something as comfortable as that seems to be, I don’t want to mess with that,” manager Joe Torre said Monday.

That’d be an upgrade. Flaherty is reportedly considering retirement anyway.

Flaherty caught Johnson in his shutout win over the Cardinals Saturday. ''After the other day, why not?’' manager Joe Torre said.

Flaherty missed a week with the injury.

He hurt the thumb catching Jon Lieber, who had another successful throwing session.

The 36-year-old Flaherty will remain Jorge Posada’s backup.