In March 2003, he was put back on contract status.

Thompson said Sherman's contract status would not affect the team.

"I thought he played great last year when his contract status was up in the air."

Valentine and Phillips both declined to comment on their contract status.

Delgado said he will not think about his contract status until after this season.

"There hasn't been anything new," Scott said of his contract status.

Transition to professional contract status was planned to finish at the end of 2006.

Clearly, Anderson's contract status is becoming a sensitive issue and a growing distraction.

"I think everyone hopes this will work out," Girardi said when asked about his contract status last month.

His contract status cannot be making it any easier.