Some debate remains over the context and clarity of Joe Torre's reported remarks concerning a potential move to center field for either Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman made it very clear yesterday that - regardless of what Torre did or did not say - neither of the Yanks' superstars is going anywhere.

The baseball world seems to think the Yankees will find themselves in a serious conversation with free agent center fielder Johnny Damon.

The Yankees haven't been overwhelmed with the pool of potential center fielders they've seen outside the organization, so it's not surprising that they're looking internally.

According to several industry sources, the Yankees are engaged in serious negotiations with flame-throwing, right-handed setup man Kyle Farnsworth and are very close to inking lefty specialist Mike Myers.

With Billy Wagner headed up the Turnpike, the Phillies are turning their attention to a reliever they've coveted for years -- Tom Gordon.

The agent for free-agent outfielder Brian Giles and Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke yesterday.

There were indications on Monday that the Yankees may jump into the fray for Carlos Delgado.

The Red Sox join the Yankees, Orioles, Indians and Phillies as clubs interested in Tom Gordon, who set up Mariano Rivera the past two seasons.

According to Brian Giles' agent, Joe Bick, and Bick had no conversations with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

The Yankees also inquired about bringing back Alfonso Soriano to play center but were unwilling to trade Cano and/or Wang (Texas could have had Cano as the throw-in in the A-Rod trade).

The Yankees recently inquired about the availability of Ichiro Suzuki but were told by Mariners ownership they will not trade him.

Mariano Rivera said last night that he wants to see the Yanks bring back Tom Gordon as his setup man, but nothing seems that simple for the Bombers this winter.

Johnny Damon quietly has emerged as a possible choice to be their next center fielder, according to an industry source familiar with the team's plans.

Right-hander Carl Pavano, who signed a four-year contract with the Yankees a year ago, has been telling friends he wants out.

New York exercised its $1.

Hideki Matsui and the Yankees agreed Tuesday night to a $52 million, four-year contract that will keep the popular outfielder in New York.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Arn Tellem, the agent for Hideki Matsui, were scheduled to meet face-to-face late last night, and contract negotiations were expected to enter the final stages.

Alex Rodriguez may not yet have any World Series rings to show for his remarkable career, but the Yankees' third baseman picked up his second American League Most Valuable Player Award on Monday.

On Saturday, Brian Giles' agent, Joe Bick, spoke with Cashman for a fourth time in about a week.

Reportedly, the Marlins' Juan Pierre might be dealt this winter.

Hideki Matsui had lunch with his agent, Arn Tellem, yesterday in Manhattan, giving them a chance to talk face-to-face about what the next few days may bring.

The Mets and Yankees likely will compete for several free agent relievers this winter as both teams reconstruct their bullpens, but they have slightly different roles in mind for flame-throwing righthander Kyle Farnsworth, whose agent has been contacted by both teams.

The Yankees are about to empty their pockets in hopes of keeping Hideki Matsui.

The Yankees recently approached White Sox GM Kenny Williams about trying to work out a trade for center fielder Aaron Rowand, according to sources, but were told by Williams there was no match between the teams.

Ichiro Suzuki is very unhappy about the losing in Seattle, according to a source, though the team is unaware of his displeasure.

The two old friends had played phone tag for about a week before finally talking yesterday and Joe Torre came away with the sense that Bernie Williams wanted to continue his career as a Yankee, though Williams knows that he'd be a sub rather than the team's starting center fielder.

The Yankees let Tino Martinez go Tuesday, declining their $3 million option on the popular first baseman.

Seattle officials may devote more time to preliminary trade talks with other clubs.

Hideki Matsui remains the Yankees' outfield priority, but GM Brian Cashman also has started looking into other outfield possibilities and recently called the representative for Brian Giles to express interest in the free agent.

Ron Guidry rejoined the New York Yankees on Friday as the team's pitching coach, and former Boston manager Joe Kerrigan was hired as bullpen coach.

After reportedly admitting to a federal grand jury that he knowingly used steroids, Jason Giambi's 2005 season was off to an inauspicious start.

Matt Lawton has tested positive for steroids, Newsday has confirmed.

Alex Rodriguez was cautioned by the New York Yankees that playing poker in illegal clubs could be dangerous and harmful to his image, according to a newspaper report.