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New York Yankees zero in on bullpen, coach, center field

As they discussed the ruins of 2005, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and manager Joe Torre turned their attention to 2006 and their desire for a new center fielder and middle relievers.

Torre also said during his news conference on Tuesday that longtime center fielder Bernie Williams could return as a reserve next season, and he endorsed New York's pursuit of Atlanta pitching coach Leo Mazzone as a replacement for Mel Stottlemyre.

"I think we have to change," Torre said. "We have to improve our bullpen somewhat and find someone to play center field."

Williams, who has been with the Yankees since 1991, is eligible to become a free agent. He repeatedly was given standing ovations by fans during the Yankees' regular-season and postseason finales, and while Williams' production has declined and his defense has deteriorated, Torre would welcome him back as a role player.

"I don't think that's outside the realm of possibility," Torre said. "Bernie, obviously I think he enjoys being here. It's the only place he's ever been. I think he's -- I don't want to say got used to it but I think he understood this year with his reduced role that maybe this is where he should be concentrating."

Williams played center field and also was a designated hitter. His agent, Scott Boras, said staying with the Yankees was an option.

"I don't think there's any question that Bernie has a strong desire to pursue his career with the Yankees," he said. "That's certainly a bridge we're going to cross before we get to anything else."

New York's push to reach the playoffs, in which the Yankees finished 16-5, drained the team for the playoffs, according to Torre.

"What enabled us to win the division, I think just sort of ran us dry at the end because we had to play every guy every single day and we needed to win every single game," he said.

Torre said it was possible that Japanese star Hideki Matsui, also eligible for free agency, could be shifted to center if he re-signs.

"I think we have to wait and see what our options are, if we can zero in on any player that's going to fit," Torre said.

New York's biggest problem this year was starting pitching. Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano, Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Jaret Wright all got hurt, and Randy Johnson was troubled by back pain at times. New York's staff stabilized only with the arrivals of Aaron Small, Shawn Chacon and Al Leiter, who is likely to retire.

Brown's contract is up, and it's doubtful he will pitch again. Currently, New York has six starting pitchers under control: Johnson, Mussina, Pavano, Wright, Wang and Chacon, plus Small, who can start or relieve.

"Starting pitching should be fine," Torre said. "If we get healthy, with the Chacon and the Wang situation, we should have numbers again."

Torre said that he asked Stottlemyre several times whether he would change his mind about leaving. Stottlemyre's departure also came up during Monday's meeting with Steinbrenner.

"I expressed my unhappiness about Mel leaving. The man gave his life and loyalty here for 10 years, and I'm going to miss him," Torre said.

Torre said Mazzone was the only person the Yankees have contacted thus far as a possible replacement for Stottlemyre, who has been pitching coach since Torre took over the Yankees before the 1996 season.

"Leo is very good at what he does," Torre said. "I go back a long way with Leo. I was managing the Braves when he was in the minor league system over there."

Torre said that if bench coach Joe Girardi leaves to become a manager -- he's been interviewed by Florida and Tampa Bay -- hitting coach Don Mattingly could fill that role but he would be reluctant to make that switch.

"I think he's going to be an outstanding manager when he decides to do that or the opportunity comes to him," Torre said. "I'd really hate to lose what he's doing now. He's so good."
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