Yanks target CF, pen

The Yankees' organizational meetings are expected to begin Monday in New York, with the focus on finding a centerfielder and upgrading the bullpen.Although general manager Brian Cashman has promised to redefine many team officials' roles in an effort to keep himself at the top of the team's chain of command, the usual cast from Tampa and New York is expected at the meetings.
Manager Joe Torre will attend, but it's not clear whether George Steinbrenner will fly up from Tampa. Publicist Howard Rubenstein said Friday he was unaware of The Boss' travel plans, but he has always attended these meetings.An internal debate among team officials already is taking place about whether it would be prudent for them to commit big money to Red Sox free-agent centerfielder Johnny Damon or give up young talent to acquire the Twins' Torii Hunter, who likely would want an extension and perhaps a raise from his $10.75-million salary.The Yankees like the thought of Orioles free-agent closer B.J. Ryan, 29, setting up for Mariano Rivera and are expected to push for him. He has said he is open to setting up, but many teams, including the Mets, will be interested in having him close, which means a higher price tag.The only starting pitcher the Yankees were expected to go after probably won't be on the market after all. According to a report in the Japan Times, the Seibu Lions say they will not give up Daisuke Matsuzaka, 25, a hard-throwing righthander.Piazza, Bernie file. Mike Piazza, coming off a seven-year, $91-million contract with the Mets, filed for free agency. He likely will look for work with an American League team so he can split time at catcher and DH. Bernie Williams, Tom Gordon, Ruben Sierra and John Flaherty are among nine Yankees who have filed; Marlon Anderson and Miguel Cairo are among six Mets who have done so.

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