 "We hold Joe Torre in the highest regard and, obviously, that's why
we're taking the time ... to determine what's best for us as we move
forward and whether he's a part of that or not," general manager
Brian Cashman said Wednesday outside Legends Field, the team's
spring training home.
A person familiar with the meetings, speaking on condition of
anonymity because the Yankees aren't making details public, said it
was possible a decision would be made Thursday or Friday.
Cashman returned to New York, along with chief operating officer
Lonn Trost and assistant GM Jean Afterman. Team president Randy
Levine remained in Florida.
Steinbrenner, who has the final say, also was in Florida, along with
sons Hal and Hank and son-in-law Felix Lopez.
Cashman wouldn't give any timing for a final say on Torre, whose
$19.2 million, three-year contract expires Oct. 31. He said that if
the decision is made to keep Torre, "then there's a negotiation. ...
And that takes time. It's as simple as that."
"As long as it takes," Cashman said, "So give it the time it needs."
While the team's top officials met in Florida, some fans signed a
petition Wednesday at a "Save Joe Torre" rally near Times Square in
New York.
Steinbrenner did not comment -- he hasn't discussed Torre's future
publicly since he told The Record of Hackensack, N.J., on Oct. 6
that he didn't think he'd bring back Torre if the Yankees failed to
advance to the AL championship series. Cleveland then eliminated New
York in four games, the Yankees' third straight first-round exit.
Cashman said that he has remained in contact with Torre.
"I talk to Joe as a friend and colleague," he said.
The Yankees also have not yet reached out to Ray Schulte, the agent
for bench coach Don Mattingly, who is the leading contender to take
over if Torre doesn't return.
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Cashman did indicate a subtle shift in the Yankees' power
structure. Asked whether the 77-year-old owner will pick the
manager, the general manager responded: "The Boss owns the
franchise, so obviously, the Boss, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner are
obviously the ownership group that I answer to."
Before the afternoon meeting, there was a morning session that also
included senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman,
scouting director Damon Oppenheimer and special adviser Gene
Michael.
Cashman said the Yankees are maintaining their position that they
will not negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he terminates his $252
million, 10-year contract.
Rodriguez, who has three seasons left on the deal, must decide by
the 10th day following the World Series.
"I can reaffirm that, if Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract,
then we will not participate in his free agency," Cashman said.
"That is accurate and that is definitive."
Rodriguez met for three days this week in California with his agent,
Scott Boras, to determine his strategy.
"He said he's comfortable playing in New York and enjoys it," Boras
said. "However he has a right available to him that is solely in his
discretion."
A determination also has not been made on Torre's coaches. That will
come after there's a decision on the manager.
[Associated
Press]
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
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