Yankees make first offseason move

October 14, 8:45 PMNew York Yankees ExaminerPete Sabatini

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On Tuesday afternoon the Yankees kicked off what promises to be a busy offseason by firing two coaches.

The day’s casualties were third-base coach Bobby Meacham and special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone. 

Meacham was a Girardi selection while in Florida in 2006 then in 2007 for the Padres. 

Meacham replaced Larry Bowa as Yankees’ third-base coach when Joe Girardi took over in 2008. 

Girardi had to stand behind this tough decision as they fired his “friend.”  “However, as an organization, it was time to make a change,” Joe said.

Monteleone was with the Yankees since 2002, three years as bullpen coach followed by four years as special pitching instructor.

Not as exciting as a big signing or long-awaited retirement announcement, but now the speculation about what ex-Yankee player should become the new third-base coach. 

Willie Randolph’s overqualified, even though the Yankees have been making especially nice with him lately, but how about Lee Mazzilli or Luis Sojo?  Fan-favorites and proven winners Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill are sure to come up in discussion as well.

Of the remaining coaches, only Kevin Long, who is signed through 2010, still has a contract extending beyond 2008.

Rob Thompson     Bench Coach
Tony Pena     First Base Coach
Kevin Long     Hitting Coach
Mike Harkey     Bullpen Coach
Dave Eiland     Pitching Coach