The Boss Pursues Mattingly Steinbrenner Lets It Be Known His First Baseman Is A Priority

George Steinbrenner has a new manager and a new general manager, but he apparently wants his old first baseman back in a Yankees uniform for 1996. The Yankees’ principal owner called Don Mattingly’s agent, Jim Krivacs, earlier this week and informed him that retaining the 34-year-old captain is very important to him.

Ray Schulte, Mattingly’s friend and business representative, who spoke with Krivacs Friday, said Steinbrenner’s decision to initiate contract negotiations is an optimistic signal.

“George gave Jimmy indications he definitely wants Donnie back for next year,” Schulte said. “There were no specifics or dollars discussed. It’s purely an overture. I think George is trying to be open and indicate to Donnie his desire to have him back.”

Steinbrenner, who did not return phone calls Friday, has been severely criticized for not rehiring manager Buck Showalter. Obviously, he wants to avoid a greater public relations nightmare.

“This is the first time he’s given an indication that he wants him back,” Schulte said.

A nine-time Gold Glove winner who has played the last 13 years with the Yankees, Mattingly will file for free agency sometime next week. But Schulte called it a “formality” and contended Krivacs would not seek offers aggressively. A message left at Mattingly’s restaurant in Evansville, Ind., drew no response; Krivacs has not responded to messages.

Meanwhile, starting pitcher David Cone, reliever Steve Howe and outfielder Dion James filed for free agency Friday, increasing the Yankees total to eight. Steve Fehr, Cone’s agent, said he has had preliminary discussions with the Yanks, but nothing substantive has occurred. Bob Watson, the general manager, depicted Cone, Jack McDowell and closer John Wetteland as his first priorities for assembling the 1996 Yankees. Only five players are under contract.

Although Steinbrenner has reached out to Mattingly, Schulte said the paramount issue is whether Mattingly wants to play or retire. Mattingly complained of nagging injuries last season, when he hit .288 with seven homers and 49 runs batted in. And he is targeted for a reduced role despite a solid postseason in which he batted .417 with one homer and six RBIs against Seattle.

“He wants to be fair with the Yankees,” Schulte said. “If his decision is not to play baseball, he wants to tell the Yankees as soon as possible, so they can find another first baseman.”

Schulte did not think Mattingly would have a problem playing for Joe Torre instead of Showalter, who is Mattingly’s friend and former minor-league teammate.

In a statement, Mattingly said he had “respect and admiration” for what Showalter and former general manager Gene Michael accomplished the last four seasons and called Showalter’s absence from the Yankees dugout “unfortunate.” But he considers Torre a friend and wished him well.