TAMPA, Fla. - Edwin Encarnacion got Randy Johnson’s attention.

“Who is that kid?” the Big Unit said after allowing a two-run homer and an RBI double to Encarnacion in the Cincinnati Reds’ 4-1 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday.

Encarnacion, a 23-year-old third baseman, homered twice Friday against Minnesota.

“I knew who Juan Encarnacion was — the guy who played with Cincinnati and with Florida,” Johnson said jovially. “Maybe that’s his brother or cousin or something like that. A pretty good hitter, though.”

Pitching his first spring training game of the year, Johnson threw 48 pitches over three innings with a pair of strikeouts. He allowed three hits, two to Encarnacion, who is not related to Juan.

“We all know he’s got a chance to be a very good major league player,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I’m happy for him to get off to a good start.”

New York played its first game at Legends Field since Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon and Bernie Williams left Thursday for the World Baseball Classic. A sign by the customer service booth on the main concourse apologized to fans.

“We are sorry that certain players will not be present for portions of spring training,” the sign stated, in part.

“The New York Yankess,” it went on, misspelling the team’s name, “did not vote to support this event. Any comments you have regarding the World Baseball Classic should be directed to the commissioner of Major League Baseball or the Major League Baseball Players Association.”

Johnson started a game with Jorge Posada behind the plate for the first time since July 1. John Flaherty became the Big Unit’s personal catcher in the second half of last season, although Posada did catch Johnson when the Big Unit relieved in Game 5 of the playoffs against the Angels.

Posada has pledged to have a better relationship and understanding with the 6-foot-10 Johnson.

“When he’s good now, I know what he needs to do,” Posada said. “At the beginning of the season last year, I didn’t know how to get him back on track. Now I know when he’s good, what he does. I have a pretty good understanding of the things he wants to do.”

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Johnson was 5-6 with Posada and 12-2 with Flaherty, who was replaced as the backup catcher during the offseason by Kelly Stinnett. The Big Unit said he was opening his shoulder too early Saturday and dragging his arm, especially on his slider.

Posada visited to the mound to tell Johnson he was opening up when he pitched from the stretch and went another time to get the pitcher a breather.

“I think he saw a lot of things that sometimes you don’t see when you’re a pitcher out there, and that’s mechanics,” Johnson said.

Yankees manager Joe Torre thinks Johnson and Posada will do well together.

“They’re fine. They’re talking a lot. I think it’s a non-issue,” he said.

Johnson thought it was a good initial effort and likely has five more spring outings. After he left the game, he went to a practice field and tossed batting practice to his 9-year-old son, Tanner.

“Had Encarnacion not shown up, it could have been a pretty good game,” Johnson said.

Notes: Hideki Matsui, who had been bothered by a swollen knee, played in his first exhibition game of the year and went 1-for-2 as a designated hitter with a single and a walk. Gary Sheffield, who had been bothered by back spasms, made his first outfield start. ... Reds starter Aaron Harang allowed two hits in two scoreless innings. ... New York RHP Carl Pavano (back) threw 30 pitches during an eight-minute mound session, the first time he’s pitched off a mound since August. The Yankees project he won’t pitch in a regular-season game until mid-April. ... Yankees reliever Octavio Dotel (elbow surgery) threw 30 pitches from halfway up the mound in his first bullpen session since reconstructive elbow surgery June 6 to repair a torn ligament and appeared to be throwing hard. He didn’t feel any pain. “It makes me feel good,” he said. “As far as I see, it sounds like it’s going to be really good.” ... Yankees OF Bubba Crosby was scratched from the lineup after getting hit on the finger during a bunting drill.