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Tanaka, Yanks disagree on spring premiere date

TAMPA — The investment and investor are looking at the process from different angles.

Masahiro Tanaka, who pocketed $155 million Yankee dollars, wants to jump into exhibition games as soon as possible.

The Yankees, who added $20 million to the price tag via a posting fee, aren’t quite sure when Tanaka will face hitters other than the ones dressed in the same uniform.

“I feel I am pretty much ready to throw in a game,’’ Tanaka said following a 35pitch live batting practice exercise on Field 2 of the grounds of George M. Steimbrenner Field Monday morning. It was Tanaka’s second live session and served as a showcase for his vast arsenal of pitches.

Manager Joe Girardi could start Tanaka Thursday against the Pirates at GMS Field but won’t. David Phelps will get the ball in the first Yankees’ exhibition game, televised by YES.

“I can’t tell you exactly when [Tanaka] will pitch in that first week. [Pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] has the schedule that he is still putting together,” Girardi said. “You are still trying to see if a guy wants one more BP or does he feel he is ready to go?’’

While Tanaka, who might get an extra day rest during the exhibition season to help him transition from working once a week in Japan to pitching every fifth day, is going to respect whatever plan the Yankees have for him.

“From my standpoint I will work with what the manager tells me to do,’’ Tanaka said.

Staff ace CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda preceded Tanaka on the mound but didn’t draw the same attention as Tanaka, who impressed several people with the outing that feature fastballs, sliders, curveballs and splits.

“You want to see him against big league hitters and see how he does and how he reacts,’’ Girardi said. “I am happy with the progress he has made and he hasn’t tried to do too much. I think he has adapted to what we want him to do.’’

Girardi was impressed with Tanaka’s command and Scott Sizemore, who faced Tanaka, and catcher Francisco Cervelli followed the manager’s lead even if Sizemore said the splitfingered fastball wasn’t filthy.

“I don’t think it was one of his best ones,’’ Sizemore said of the only splitter Tanaka threw him.

Yet, the righthanded hitting infielder marveled at Tanaka’s other pitches.

“You are trying to see pitches and even some curveballs I saw well, but it was so sharp I couldn’t pull the trigger,’’ Sizemore said.

“There were some pitches where I missed the spot, but I feel overall it was a good session,’’ Tanaka said.

Cervelli, who caught Tanaka’s first bullpen session, caught him for the first time with hitters in the box.

“He’s great, both sides of the plate with every pitch. He’s able to throw every pitch in every count. I think he’s going to be fine,’’ Cervelli said. “He threw everything today. ... The more I catch, the more I know, he’s able to do so many things.’’

Girardi saw a changeup from Tanaka on tape, but hasn’t witnessed it live. However, everything else is in full view.

“I think I need one more finger. I’ve got to take off my glove [to give signs]. But it’s great. I think every day is better,’’ Cervelli said.

And presumably one day closer to seeing Tanaka in a game.