A-Rod reaches out to Headley with phone call

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees signed Chase Headley to a four-year, $52 million contract this offseason in part because of their uncertainty regarding Alex Rodriguez's future at third base.

That could have placed Headley and Rodriguez in an awkward situation this spring, with Rodriguez battling for innings at the hot corner, but Headley said that he recently received a phone call from Rodriguez and that they seem to be on the same page.

"We didn't talk about that. It was more of an introduction," Headley said. "I think we both care about winning and that's the most important thing. That's what we talked about and that stuff will sort itself out.

"I'm not going to concern myself with that, I'm going to come out and try to do the best I can to do my job. However that shakes out, it'll shake out."

The Yankees have indicated that Headley is their primary choice to handle third base, coming off a half-season in New York in which he was acquired from the Padres in July. Rodriguez is being considered more for a designated hitter role, though he has been taking ground balls at third base this offseason and could give manager Joe Girardi options as a reserve.

Yanks position players are not due to report until Feb. 25, but Headley said that he got to the team's Minor League complex early to get acclimated. He is looking forward to the next few seasons after adjusting to New York well during his first taste of duty, including a walk-off hit in his debut.

"I think a lot of it just had to do with the guys in the clubhouse. They made me feel extremely comfortable right off the bat," Headley said. "That was a big help, and obviously the way that everything started made the transition a little bit smoother. I just really fit in well, is the best way I can describe it."