TAMPA — Yankees bench coach Don Mattingly exclusively told the Post today it was “laughable” he would confide to a member of the Steinbrenner family that he wasn’t ready to step up to the plate and take over if Joe Torre is axed.

Mattingly knocked down the story that first appeared in today’s Newark Star-Ledger, which quoted a “friend” as a source.

According to his agent Ray Schulte, Mattingly never said he was uncomfortable or did not feel right about taking over from the highly successful Torre.

“It’s completely false, totally fabricated and took Don completely by surprise,” Schulte said in a statement.

The Yankees are meeting now in Tampa to discuss future organizational plans, first and foremost the fate of Torre, who is without a contract after managing the Yankees to 12 consecutive post-season appearances. However, the Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2000 and were bounced last week in the ALDS by the Indians.

“If and when a decision is made concerning Joe’s future Don will respond, at that time. In the meantime, he wants what is best for Joe and the Yankee organization,” Schulte said.