1.   And to think Elster would have been satisfied being a backup infielder if Gil had not undergone back surgery.

2.   And with Cora the leading candidate at shortstop, it appears Kevin Elster and the versatile Jose Vizcaino will be backup infielders.

3.   A backup middle infielder is needed, and nonroster invitee Tim Bogar could be the guy.

4.   A backup middle infielder in Chicago, the Yankees acquired Sanchez to fill that same role after middle infielder Luis Sojo was sidelined with a broken arm.

5.   Cora, a backup infielder who singled in the fifth, came through in similar circumstances against Wright in the seventh.

6.   Entering spring training, he was expected to make the team as a backup infielder and part-time designated hitter.

7.   He hovers below Lou Merloni on the depth chart as a backup infielder.

8.   He will be with the Yankees in the playoffs this fall, and in all likelihood, so will Bush, the backup infielder and pinch-runner.

9.   In addition to Davis, who will back up Dan Wilson, the Mariners also acquired backup infielder Alex Arias and pitcher Wascar Serrano from San Diego.

10.   Juan Castro is solid backup infielder with emphasis on backup.