The Yankees will assess the candidates for the fifth spot in their starting rotation within the next few days. They are expected to trim down the list and possibly declare a winner soon as well. Phil Hughes, who was a revelation as a reliever last season, appears to be the leading candidate. New York manager Joe Girardi said the decision on his fifth starter would come later this week, reminding reporters he initially said the decision would be made approximately March 25. "We're at the 24th when we come in here on Wednesday," Girardi said, "and we'll probably have some meetings."