The Yankees will probably assume some risk on just about any of the players they appear to be discussing.

It is doubtful the Angels would have made the deal unless the Yankees assumed at least $2 million of Owen's contract.

The Mariners have shown some interest in Contreras, depending on how much of his salary the Yankees would assume.

The Yankees had assumed that there would be little discussion about a stadium in an election year, Mr. Cuomo said.

The Yankees assumed a pragmatic stance when they negotiated with Cone last fall.

The Yankees assumed Cone would embrace the chance.

The Yankees had assumed the lead in the top of the eighth.

The Yankees scored three runs in the fifth and assumed a 7-3 lead.

The games fed off the emotion of a scarred and resilient city for which the Yankees had assumed a symbolic presence.