NEW YORK - Replacing Bernie Williams in center field will require a lot of creativity, especially since the Yankees are unwilling to part with their young nucleus to do so.

With general manager Brian Cashman committed to paring payroll and increasing the Yankees' youth, expect Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang to be in pinstripes when the 2006 season begins.

Dealing these one-time prospects who made significant contributions during the Yankees' run to the AL East title "doesn't make any sense,'' Cashman said Monday, adding that it "wouldn't be valid to speculate'' about such a transaction.

That doesn't lessen the Yanks' need for an impact outfielder or a hard-throwing setup reliever - major topics that will be addressed when Cashman heads up the club's organizational meetings.

Owner George Steinbrenner and general partner Steve Swindal, along with Tampa executives Damon Oppenheimer, Mark Newman and Bill Emslie, are expected to be at Yankee Stadium today.

Manager Joe Torre and New York-based executives Randy Levine and Lonn Trost also will attend, as will Gene Michael. A trusted Cashman confidant, Michael has been reinstated in the Yankees' circle of power.

The Yankees don't seem to be enamored of free agent Johnny Damon. But they probably can't persuade the Twins to trade them Torii Hunter unless Cano and another significant hitter is added to the deal.

With corner outfielders such as Brian Giles, Jacque Jones and Reggie Sanders available via free agency, the Yanks could explore signing such a player and making Gary Sheffield available in a trade to fill a center field spot.

Sheffield's value is unquestioned, but he has a history of being disgruntled by the contracts he signs and could cause the Yankees more grief in the final year of his $39 million pact.

But compared to their rivals in Boston, the Yankees are the picture of tranquility and organization.

Manny Ramirez has asked to be traded again, and he reportedly won't show up in Fort Myers for spring training unless he's accommodated - preferably in a deal to the Los Angeles Angels.

The general manager who must deal with that mess is anyone's guess, since Theo Epstein quit his Red Sox post Monday following a power struggle with Larry Lucchino.

Boston is expected to make a run at Baltimore free agent closer B.J. Ryan, whom the Yanks have targeted as a lefty setup man. Kyle Farnsworth, another potential replacement for Tom Gordon, filed for free agency Monday.

Most of the Yankees' immediate focus is on re-signing Hideki Matsui and finalizing the coaching staff.

So far this off-season, "We have not had any trade conversations,'' Cashman said.

Cashman had not yet spoken to Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, but talks will take place soon; Matsui can become a free agent after Nov. 15.

Cashman had nothing to announce regarding the coaching staff, except to say that bullpen coach Neil Allen, first base coach Roy White and third base coach Luis Sojo would not be returning to those positions.

Larry Bowa (third base coach), Lee Mazzilli (bench coach) and Ron Guidry (pitching coach) are expected to join the staff. Also, former big league pitching coach Joe Kerrigan could fill Allen's role and former Royals manager Tony Pena is being considered as first base coach.

BRIEF: Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez won AL Silver Slugger Awards as the best offensive players at their position. A-Rod won for the eighth time, the first time as a third baseman. Sheffield won for the fourth time.

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