NEW YORK--(NYYFans.com)--At a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the Yankees introduced Don Mattingly as the team's 2004 hitting coach and announced the rest of the coaching staff.

Mattingly, 42, has had what amounted to a 'standing invitation' to come back to New York as the hitting coach since Chris Chambliss was replaced after the 2000 World Series. Each time the Yankees approached Mattingly, he has turned the opportunity down, citing the fact that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

During the press conference, Mattingly stressed that his wife, Kim, and children were integral in him finally saying yes. Kim recalled reasoning with him, "Your opportunity may run out at some point. They may quit asking."

According to Mattingly, his sons, who are a bit older now, were very enthused at their dad's new job. After an early retirement and eight years at home, they urged Mattingly to accept the position. To New Yorkers' delight he finally has.

Opening the press conference, Torre addressed the rest of the 2004 coaching staff except for the Pitching Coach.

Torre said that he spoke with Mel Stottlemyre recently, but he still has not reached a decision on whether to return to the club for 2004.

In all, the front office is to be commended. The on-field staff has turned like a well-executed wheel play.

After 10 years as 3rd Base Coach, Willie Randolph is getting the bump he deserves. He will be Torre's right-hand-man and sit as Bench Coach, replacing the departed Don Zimmer.

Replacing Randolph at third is Lee Mazzilli. He's had experience coaching there as a minor-league manager and has spent the last four seasons with the Yankees as First Base Coach. He is penciled in for now, pending the outcome of his interview with Baltimore for their vacant managerial position.

Wheeling over to cover Mazzilli is fan-favorite Luis Sojo. After retirement, Sojo stayed on with the Yankees as a scout, minor league manager, coach and even returned for three games in the field at the tail end of 2003.

As far as coaching staffs go, this one is top-rate, but it leaves an interesting quandary. With Randolph, Mazzilli, Mattingly and Sojo the Yankees have four coaches with managerial aspirations and one seat to fill once Torre retires, which could come as early as 2005.

As of right now, it's a two-horse race between Randolph and Mattingly.

Mattingly tried to put off any future manager questions that came up at the press conference. He claimed that Randolph was next in line, but didn't rule managing out of his future plans.

"If you even have a thought of doing it one day," he said "you don't get a better chance to get a tutor any better than Joe (Torre)."

 

Jeff Kokosinski covers the Yankees for NYYFans.com, and can be reached at Jeff@NYYFans.com