Don Mattingly will take over as bench coach for the New York Yankees next season, replacing Lee Mazzilli, according to a newspaper report.
The move puts Mattingly one step closer to manager Joe Torre's job, making him the favorite to take over when the long-time skipper leaves, according to the report, posted Thursday night on Newsday's Web site.
The Yankees would not confirm the report when reached Thursday night by The Associated Press.
Torre's contract expires after next season. Mattingly has been the Yankees' hitting coach for three seasons.
Mazzilli was fired during his second season as manager of the Baltimore Orioles and joined the Yankees as the bench coach last November. He also was New York's first base and outfield coach from 2000-03.
As a player, Mattingly was a six-time All Star with a career batting average of .307 in 14 major league seasons, all with the Yankees.
