While Carl Pavano has teased the club before making progress in rehab games, the right-hander took a step forward yesterday pitching for Trenton (Double-A). "He was very good," Torre said of Pavano, who threw four innings for the Thunder against Portland in which he gave up one run, three hits, fanned five and threw 78 pitches. "Physically he felt fine. This is as close as we have gotten." Since Torre will need a starter on Sept. 16 when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a doubleheader, he was asked if Pavano could fill that hole. "It's certainly possible because where he is right now," Torre said. "As long as he is going in the right direction."