The Yanks were near a deal with Kenny Lofton with the intention of making him the regular center fielder. But agent Scott Boras said his client, Bernie Williams, would not accept regular DH duties without battling to retain his position.

“He’s going to fight to try to keep his job,” Boras said. “Bernie and Joe Torre talked a few days ago about this possibility [Lofton in center], and Bernie is a team player who will not disrupt the team. But he wants his job in center field.”