Posted at 8:49 a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Baseball: Yankees may name manager this week
Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees could hire a new manager by the end of this week."It's possible," Hank Steinbrenner said today, adding that the process could extend longer. "We want to get it done as soon as possible."
Hank, son of owner George Steinbrenner, spoke on his way into Legends Field before first-base coach Tony Pena became the third candidate to interview for the job that opened when Joe Torre quit last week. Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi interviewed Monday and bench coach Don Mattingly yesterday.
Mattingly is considered the favorite.
"I think both candidates we interviewed so far are great in their own way," Hank Steinbrenner said.
Mattingly has been a coach for the Yankees for four seasons, the first three as hitting coach.
"He did well," Hank Steinbrenner said. "No surprises."
As a player and Yankees captain, Mattingly was considered a quiet leader.
"Obviously, he was a little different yesterday during the interview," Hank Steinbrenner said.
Teams aren't allowed to announce moves during the World Series, but the Yankees could ask commissioner Bud Selig for permission if they'd like to name a successor on off days Friday or Tuesday.
Hank Steinbrenner said last week the team planned to consider five or six candidates but the Yankees may limit the field to the original trio.
"It's starting to look more and more that way," he said,
Torre took over for the 1996 season and led the Yankees to four World Series titles in his first five years but none since. He left after 12 seasons — and 12 postseason appearances.
"It's going to be a tough decision, but what we want is no different than what the fans want. We want to win," Hank Steinbrenner said. "Be the best manager, be the best leader and win. We're in a transition period. We've got a lot of great young pitchers, a lot of great young players coming.
"I'm not saying we don't have a chance next year. Obviously, the Marlins beat us a few years ago with the same kind of young pitching staff. And Detroit got to the World Series with the same kind of young pitching staff, so it can happen."
But he also cautioned that success might not be immediate.
"I think the most important thing is whoever we hire, give 'em a chance because he's not getting the '96 Yankees. He's getting an even younger team or for the most part a team in transition. Give him a little while," Hank Steinbrenner said, "We want to win the World Series every year. We're not stupid enough to think we can do it. Of course, we'd love to win the World Series next year."
