JUNE BOON FOR SWISHER KING PHIL ING FINE HUGHES READY FOR

OAKLAND - The decision will be made by the Yankees' medical staff with inputfrom pitching coach Larry Rothschild. But, if Phil Hughes gets asay, the right-handed pitcher said he could begin a minorleaguerehab start following Saturday's batting practice/simulated game inAnaheim,DarkBlood RMT."I think so, but I don't make that call," Hughes said ofprogressing past the bullpen portion of his throwing program. "If Ifeel good, I will certainly encourage [them] to go somewhere."Hughes threw in the bullpen before the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Athleticsat the Coliseum and didn't experience any problems with hisshoulder."Everything felt great today," said Hughes, who has been on thedisabled list since April 15 with an inflamed shoulder thatreceived a cortisone shot in late April. "It feels good, but Iwon't be able to tell until I throw against hitters and compete ina game somewhere."Manager Joe Girardi said he will listen to advice from othersabout when Hughes begins a rehab stint."I will let [trainer] Geno [Monahan],カバル RMT, Larry and our doctorsdecide if he needs another [bullpen] or if he is ready to go,"Girardi said. "Does he need two bullpen sessions? I don'tknow,DQ10 RMT."Hughes said Saturday's exercise - even if it's only battingpractice or a simulated game - will provide an indicator."It's nice to see swings," said Hughes, who hasn't pitched in agame since April 14.According to Girardi, Rothschild said Hughes' workout yesterday,which consisted of throwing his full repertoire of pitches in asimulated inning and sitting down before repeating the process,went well."Larry said he was good today," Girardi said. "Larry said [theball] was definitely coming out better."Hughes, who is 0-1 with a 13.94 ERA in three starts, said he ishoping to return before June melts into July."By the end of the month would be great, but . . ." Hughessaid.When Hughes returns, he could bump struggling Ivan Nova from therotation, if Nova still has a spot.Of course, the medical histories of Bartolo Colon and FreddyGarcia indicate that they likely will require a break at somepoint."You can't have too much depth," Girardi said.

Martinez free to pursue Villa talks

LONDON (AFP) – Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as a front-runner for the vacancy at Aston Villa after being given permission to hold talks with the club, it was reported Thursday.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan confirmed to the Daily Telegraph that the Latics had given a green light for Martinez to speak to Villa, who are seeking to replace Gerard Houllier after the Frenchman stood down for health reasons.

Martinez joins a long list of managers who have been linked to the post including former Fulham manager Mark Hughes, ex-England coach Steve McClaren, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti.

Whelan said although he was happy for Martinez to speak to Villa, he was confident that the respected 37-year-old Spaniard would remain at Wigan.

",maplestory RMT;Aston Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner," Whelan told The Daily Telegraph.

"They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission.

"He arrived back yesterday and I presume he has spoken to Villa. I have made it clear to him I will be extending his contract,カバル RMT.

"I have never let him down on anything and he has never let me down. I know I can never say never in football, but I would be very surprised if he is Aston Villa's new manager.",ro RMT;

Meanwhile reports said Villa had opted against interviewing McClaren because of negative feedback from fans based on his disastrous stint as England manager.