The productive and controversial slugger is on the Yankees' radar.

Steinbrenner said the Yankees will look at all options to improve a team that failed to make the postseason, including the 36-year-old Ramirez.

"There's nothing we are not looking at," Steinbrenner told the AP Friday in Tampa. "And personally, I like Manny. He's one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. He's a free spirit for sure, but he knows how to win. We like some of the other guys, too. We just don't know yet."

While the Yankees have set aside an ocean of money for CC Sabathia and/or A.J. Burnett, there is a chance the pitchers won't take it.

That would leave the Yankees with big holes in their rotation but with the cash available to upgrade a lineup that didn't produce as expected a year ago and is likely to lose Jason Giambi's 32 homers and 96 RBIs.

Ramirez, who combined to hit .332 with 37 homers and 121 RBIs between Boston and Los Angeles, comes with concerns after he forced the Red Sox to trade him and make option years vanish in order to become a free agent. But he'd offer serious protection for Alex Rodriguez.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 53 games for the Dodgers. As for Sabathia fronting the Yankees' rotation, Steinbrenner would welcome him.

"Every team in baseball wants Sabathia," Steinbrenner said. "That's the bottom line. It's not a real secret. Pitching is in the forefront for everybody, not just us. That's why starting pitching is at a premium."

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Former major league infielder and coach Mick Kelleher is a strong possibility to join Joe Girardi's coaching staff, which needs a third-base coach. The 61-year-old Kelleher, who coached first base for the Tigers from 2003-2004, spent the last three seasons as a roving defensive instructor in the Yankee system. ...

Yankees added lefty Wilkin De La Rosa and righty Eric Hacker to the 40-man roster.

New York Yankees News News » Yankees will look at 'free spirit' Ramirez 2008-11-03
Yankees will look at 'free spirit' Ramirez 2008-11-03
Hank Steinbrenner confirmed Friday what other organizations told The Post earlier this week concerning free agent Manny Ramirez: More from the New York Post Willis: Jets put it together Brooks: Stop wasting Gomez Signals crossed for Eli, Plax More from The New York Post