NEW YORK -- The New York Times reported Saturday that the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles were discussing a trade proposal that would send first baseman Tino Martinez to Baltimore for outfielder B.J. Surhoff and infielder Jeff Conine.

	Martinez

Surhoff would fill the Yankees' hole in left field, and Conine, a good defensive infielder, probably would replace Martinez at first.

When the Yankees exercised Martinez's contract option for 2001, he agreed to waive his rights to veto a trade.

Martinez, 32, has been an integral part of the Yankees' attack since replacing Don Mattingly before the 1996 season, driving home more than 100 runs every season. His production has been in an incremental but steady decline, particularly his power production. Next season, he probably would be challenged for the job at first by Nick Johnson, a top prospect.

Martinez, who has always hit well at Camden Yards, will make $6 million next year because the Yankees exercised that option on his contract.

Surhoff, who turns 36 next week, will make $3.5 million in 2001 and most likely qualify for a vesting option that will pay him $4.5 million in 2002.