NEW YORK -- With Jason Giambi's status still a major question mark this season, the Yankees added another first baseman to their roster on Tuesday, inking John Olerud to a contract.
Olerud, who was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners on July 15 and released on July 23, will serve as the Yankees' starting first baseman, moving Tony Clark into a backup role.

"I'm here to help out in any way I can," said Olerud, 35. "I'll try to provide good defense at first base, and even though the first half of the year hasn't been real good offensively, I'm hoping to get that turned around."

"I think he gives us insurance," said manager Joe Torre. "He's a proven hitter."

Olerud was batting .245 with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 78 games with the Mariners this season before being given his unconditional release on July 27. A three-time Gold Glove Award winner, Olerud is tied for the highest career fielding percentage at first base among active Major Leaguers (.995) with at least 1,000 games.

To make room on the active roster for Olerud, the Yankees optioned right-handed pitcher Juan Padilla to Triple-A Columbus and transferred right-handed pitcher Sam Marsonek from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

"It was a surprise when he became available," said Torre. "Seattle wasn't going anywhere and they decided to go with some young players, so they gave John an opportunity to go elsewhere. He landed here. Having the opportunity to get him and have a backup guy like Tony Clark, who has done such a great job, we're fortunate."

Olerud, who will wear No. 18, is not in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against he Oakland A's, but Torre said that he would be at first base on Wednesday night.

Olerud had a tough first half, batting 50 points below his career average. With four 100-RBI seasons, four .300 seasons and a batting title under his belt, Olerud feels that he still has some gas left in the tank.

"I think I'm still that same player," Olerud said. "I've definitely struggled the second half of last year and the first half of this year, haven't had that much success, offensively. I believe I can get that turned around."

Olerud said that he has developed some bad habits over the past year, and he is currently working to break those and get back to the pure hitter he was before. Despite being a left-handed hitter, Olerud has no plans to take aim at the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, as he feels he is a more effective hitter when he hits up the middle and to the opposite field.

"I usually get myself in trouble when I go out and try to hook balls," Olerud said. "I haven't felt too bad at the plate, I just haven't gotten a whole lot of breaks. I don't feel like I'm that far off."

Clark, who has filled in for Giambi for much of the season, is hitting .236 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs in 83 games, including 53 starts at first base.

"Tony is such a professional," Torre said. "Every man on this ballclub feels the same about Tony Clark. He's a team player, a man's man. All those clichés you can use, they fit him. All he cares about is winning."

New York won't be a new experience for Olerud, who played for the Mets from 1997-99, reaching the postseason in his final year in Flushing.

"It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun playing with the Mets," Olerud said. "I think the big thing about coming to New York, having had a positive experience, it makes coming here to this situation a lot easier. I've been in New York, so I have a feel for what goes on."