Don Mattingly formally severed ties with the New York Yankees on Friday and filed for free agency but will continue to negotiate with the team.

Mattingly, 34, has been with the Yankee organization since he was drafted in 1979. The Yankees say they want him to remain in New York and his agent, Jim Krivacs, has spoken with the team several times about a new contract.

Four other baseball players filed Friday, increasing the total to 135 with two days remaining in the filing period. Joining Mattingly were Yankee teammate Wade Boggs, San Diego Padre pitcher Fernando Valenzuela and Texas Ranger pitchers Danny Darwin and Jeff Russell. PLASCHKE, BILL

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