"Out of my great respect for Mr. Torre, I have refrained from comment until he had a chance to address the public.

"In my eyes, Joe Torre is more than a Hall of Fame manager. He is a friend for life, and the relationship we have shared has helped shape me in ways that transcend the game of baseball. His class, dignity, and the way he respected those around him--from ballplayers to batboys--are all qualities that are easy to admire, but difficult to duplicate.

"I have known Mr. Torre for a good majority of my adult life, and there has been no bigger influence on my professional development. It was a privilege to play for him on the field, and an honor to learn from him off the field."

The New York Yankees are saddened to announce the passing of media relations department intern Matthew Wasser, 22, who passed away tragically early Sunday morning in Waltham, Mass., as a passenger in a cab hit by a person charged with operating under the influence of alcohol.

Matt began working with the Yankees media relations department in the spring of 2007, dealing extensively with local, national and international media covering the team on a daily basis.

Born and raised in Bernardsville, N.J., Matt was to graduate from the College of New Jersey in December, 2007 with a degree in Communications. He is survived by his parents, Marilyn Gottlieb Wasser and Eric Wasser, and siblings Jason and Stephanie.

"A loss of this magnitude is impossible to put into words," said Yankees Director of Media Relations Jason Zillo. "Matt will long be remembered for his boundless enthusiasm and uplifting, selfless spirit. The Yankees family reaches out to the Wasser family during this tremendous time of grief, as we keep his loved ones and friends close to our heart."

Services will be held on Thursday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Sholom on 594 North Bridge Street in Bridgewater, N.J. The family asks that any memorial gifts be sent in Matt's name to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, The American Cancer Society or Joe Torre's "Safe at Home Foundation". To send condolences to the family, visit www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com.

"We want him to stay and I would think he would want to stay. We've made it clear if he opts out, goodbye," Hank Steinbrenner said.

Asked whether Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, understands the Yankees' position, Hank Steinbrenner responded: "I think he does now."

"Where was Joe's career in '95 when my dad hired him?" Hank Steinbrenner told The New York Post. "My dad was crucified for hiring him.

"Let's not forget what my dad did in giving him that opportunity -- and the great team he was handed," Steinbrenner told the paper.

“Everybody in that room wanted him back; I have to disagree with him there,” Cashman said Friday night. “Joe knows I’m an ally because there’s a bond there. But I’ve got to speak for everybody else in the room, and they did want him back, too.”