TAMPA, Fla. -- Nick Johnson is happy to still be wearing pinstripes.

	Johnson

A designated hitter and first baseman for the New York Yankees last year, Johnson wondered during the offseason if he would be traded.

"There was talk about it,'' Johnson said Thursday after working out at the Yankees' minor league complex. "I'm just glad to be back.''

Johnson's name was prominent in trade talks with Montreal involving pitcher Bartolo Colon.

"You can't do much about it,'' Johnson said. "Hopefully it doesn't happen.''

The Yankees made their earliest exit from the postseason last season since 1997 when they lost in the first round to Anaheim, ending a run of four straight AL pennants.

"It was very tough,'' Johnson said. "We didn't get it done.''

Johnson has been taking part in early workouts since last month in preparation for his second full major league season.

"I'm looking forward to getting started again,'' Johnson said. "Keep working, and get prepared for the season.''

Notes
Other players working out Thursday included SS Derek Jeter, 2B Alfonso Soriano, C Jorge Posada, C John Flaherty, RHP Steve Karsay, 3B Drew Henson and OF Juan Rivera. The major league camp across the street opens Tuesday, with workouts starting two days later.