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Saturday, February 17
Torre, Steinbrenner meet


TAMPA, Fla. – New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has started preliminary talks with manager Joe Torre on a new contract.

Torre, who has won four World Series titles in his five years as Yankees manager, will make $3 million in the final year of his contract this season.

"What do you say? He's a guy that's delivered four out of five for you," Steinbrenner said Saturday. "We'll be talking. He's my manager. He sure belongs in the Hall of Fame."

Steinbrenner said serious talks have not started, but that the pair will go out to lunch or dinner to discuss the matter.

"He's a great one," Steinbrenner said. "But you always have to remember one thing. I keep reminding him jokingly. This is an organization. This is not me, this is not Joe. He understands that. That's why he's go great to work with. As long as he understands that, it's going to be fine."

Torre on Wednesday said he wanted to continue to managing beyond this season.

"There's no question, that's the way we behave as a team," Torre said. "That's understandable. One thing about George Steinbrenner, he's going to let you know he feels. I appreciate him as an owner because he's available to you. He's the boss. He's the guy who can say whatever he wants. We have a great relationship."

The Yankees are the fourth team Torre has managed, and had his greatest success.

"So you suddenly become a genius? Yes, he did," Steinbrenner said. When told of Steinbrenner comments, Torre smiled.

The problem with that is that you have to live up to it," he said.

Game notes
RHP Ramiro Mendoza expressed an interest in becoming a candidate for the open No. 5 starter spot Saturday, but Torre again indicated his likely role will be coming out of the bullpen. Mendoza is coming off a shoulder injury. "He's still behind," Torre said. "It's not fair to count on him right now. If he keeps going like he is, he'll be fine."

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