Cashman said. "There may be some surprising names that show up of people expressing interest that you wouldn't even think about. To be quite candid, we have not started a process of looking for a new manager."

With the field wide open to contenders, bench coach Don Mattingly is believed to be a likely candidate. Through his spokesman, Ray Schulte, Mattingly said that he wished to decline comment Thursday "out of respect to Joe Torre," but that he would address his situation on Friday.
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Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella is among those who will not be considered, stating Thursday that he has no interest in the vacancy. But others -- like dark horses Tony La Russa, Bobby Valentine and Trey Hillman -- may. The Yankees' 2007 coaching staff also had two experienced former Major League managers, Larry Bowa and Tony Pena, who could draw consideration.