NEW YORK -- Jose Canseco came to the New York Yankees unsure of what his role will be. Luis Sojo landed in the team's starting lineup.

	Sojo

	Canseco

Both players were acquired by the world champions Monday, Canseco off waivers from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Sojo in a deal that sent a minor leaguer to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

When they arrived Tuesday, manager Joe Torre didn't know where noted slugger Canseco would fit in. However, Torre put Sojo in Tuesday night's lineup at second base, hitting ninth.

Canseco, who has been an everyday player when healthy, hasn't played the outfield since spring training and even he doesn't know what need he can fill.

"I have no idea," Canseco said Tuesday. "I'm going to take some fly balls and go from there."

He was still surprised about the move.

"After going through rumors the last few years of how Jose might be traded to the Yankees, and going through the deadline and not hearing anything, all of a sudden you get a call, it's a little unusual," he said.

The Yankees designated outfielder Ryan Thompson for assignment to make room for Canseco.

Across the Yankees' clubhouse, Sojo was just happy to be back in pinstripes. The utility infielder, who played on three World Series teams with New York from 1996-99, was waived by the Pirates last week and went unclaimed.

"I already started sending stuff back to Venezuela," Sojo said. "I've been here the last three to four years, I belong here. This is the place I want to be."

Sojo, 34, was released by the Yankees before the season and had his spot taken by the since released Wilson Delgado.

"I didn't want to leave this place, but I understand the situation," he said. "A couple of times I thought about coming back, so when it didn't happen I was disappointed.

"I wasn't ready to retire, I wanted to give it another chance. My family cried when I told them I'm coming back, they're very excited and can't wait to come to the ballpark. Dreams come true, I guess."

Sojo, who hit .284 with five home runs and 20 RBI in 61 games with Pittsburgh, will mostly fill in at second with Chuck Knoblauch making his first trip to the disabled list.

Torre will try to fit Canseco -- who has a feared bat to go with a bad back -- into a crowded left field/DH slot that already includes David Justice, Glenallen Hill and Luis Polonia.

The manager met with Hill, Polonia and Canseco before the game.

"I said bear with me there, we'll figure this thing out," Torre said. "We're not here to create stars, all three have been established players. All we're trying to do is win games."

Canseco could also be used off the bench, even though he has only six hits in 35 pinch at-bats.

It was unclear if the Yankees wanted Canseco or were trying to block a contending team from getting him. Canseco was placed on waivers Thursday and general manager Brian Cashman put in a claim, one day before Oakland acquired Mike Stanley.

"Fortunately for me, I'm with an organization that can afford to do this," Torre said. "This was a bit of a surprise because it happened so quickly. I don't concern myself with who they are, but how they can fit it. Hopefully we can keep our focus."

The Yankees, who paid Tampa Bay a $20,000 waiver fee, will be responsible for the remainder of Canseco's $3 million contract this season, about $900,000. The Yankees hold a $4 million club option for next season with a $500,000 buyout.

The Yankees, who inquired about Canseco before last week's trade deadline, have been busy the past two months, acquiring Justice, Denny Neagle, Jose Vizcaino, Hill and Polonia.

Canseco, 36, is hitting .257 with nine homers and 30 RBI in 61 games this season. He missed 46 games with a strained left heel.

Canseco is 24th on the career list with 440 homers and has long been a favorite of owner George Steinbrenner.

While playing for Oakland, he was a unanimous winner of the 1988 American League MVP award, also becoming the first player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases.

His numbers dropped off as injuries took their toll. The Yankees and Canseco believe health won't be an issue, although it might prevent him from being more than a DH.

"The back is 100 percent," Canseco said. "I'm gradually getting better and better. The issue will be winning games. I'm just here as one of the parts. I've been an everyday player, so it's something you have to handle. As you get older, roles do change for you."