A-ROD MAKES A MARK.(SPORTS)

Byline: Combined wire services

TAMPA, Fla. -- Several swings into his first Yankees workout, Alex Rodriguez already had done damage -- to a car parked too close behind the center-field fence.

Early into Saturday's session, New York's newest star launched a long drive that was followed by a loud bonk. The home run ball left a 2-inch dent and blue smear on the hood of a silver Mazda, a rental driven by a reporter from Japan.

``I didn't think Alex would be hitting today,'' Masanori Hirose said. ``My mistake.''

The shot was one of 10 balls Rodriguez hit over the fence in 65 swings. He took batting practice with two minor-league prospects in an …