CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- New York Yankees outfielder Raul Mondesi is focusing on the start of spring training, not on trade rumors.

	Mondesi

Mondesi, who is playing for the Dominican Republic's Cibao Eagles in the Caribbean Series, is in the last year of a contract that paid him $11 million last season. He could make as much as $13 million this coming season.

There had been speculation the Yankees were trying to deal the strong-armed right fielder, possibly to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"If they trade me to another big league team, there's no problem," Mondesi said Wednesday. "It would be difficult if they traded me to a football or basketball team because I don't know how to play that."

Mondesi, 31, realizes the upcoming season is key to his future.

"It's very important. It's my last year of the contract," he said.

Mondesi arrived a few days late to the Caribbean Series because of family problems, without providing further details, and has not played in team's first three games.

The Caribbean Series started Sunday and ends Friday, with the Dominican Republic, Mexico and two Puerto Rico teams competing. He was included in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Puerto Rico's Caguas Creoles.

Mondesi was traded from Toronto to the Yankees during last season. He batted .232 overall with 26 home runs and 88 RBI.

The 10-year veteran has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a career average of .276 with 240 home runs and 757 RBI.