Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia a fan of Shohei Ohtani

NEW YORK — Count veteran lefty CC Sabathia among those intrigued by the two-way talents of Shohei Ohtani.

“I think it’s tough, but I guess he can do it,’’ Sabathia said of the power-hitting lefty batter and hard-throwing right-handed pitcher who could be posted by his Japan League club later this week. “Everybody keeps saying baseball’s not ready for it, but we don’t know if we are or not.

“He might be a guy to be able to do it and change the game. I’m excited to see what happens.’’

The Yankees are expected to be among several clubs seriously pursuing Ohtani, 23, who recently requested written submissions by MLB clubs – according to the Associated Press – to outline how he’d fit into their franchise.

Sabathia, 37, is also waiting to hear if he fits into the Yankees’ 2018 plans.

Following a “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures’’ event on Tuesday in Manhattan to promote children’s dental hygiene, the free agent Sabathia said he was unaware if his agent had talked contract yet with GM Brian Cashman.

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“At some point, I’m sure hopefully that happens,’’ Sabathia said. “They’ve got a lot on their plate right now, we don’t have a manager. So, (there’s) a lot to kind of get done for them.’’

Signing Ohtani might mean pitching him on a fixed day of the week, allowing him to serve as a designated hitter on other days and inviting the possibility of a six-man rotation.

If the Yankees went in that direction, Sabathia would be fine with that arrangement.

“At this point in my age, I don’t care,’’ Sabathia said. “The more rest for me, the better.’’

Physically, Sabathia said his season ended well, with no need for any procedures on his arthritic right knee. He’s already training toward next season.

For now, Sabathia said he’s enjoying his offseason so far, at home with his family in Alpine.

“(We’ll) kind of see what happens,’’ said Sabathia, committed to pitching somewhere in 2018. “I want to be a part of something that I started. I was here with the old guard and here with the new guard.’’

After falling one win short of an AL pennant this year, “I would love to be able to see it through and win a championship with these new guys,’’ Sabathia said.

“It’s still tough, though. Getting within one game of the World Series, chasing that feeling and having it being so exciting for us,’’ Sabathia said. “I feel we have a chance to get back there next year.’’

Briefs

Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson will reportedly interview for the vacant Phillies bench coach position this week. Thomson, 54, is also a candidate for the Yankees’ managerial opening. Carlos Beltran is set to interview for the Yankees’ managing position on Wednesday.