The New York Yankees, apparently giving up all hope of signing them, elected not to offer salary arbitration to pitcher Jack McDowell and catcher Mike Stanley. The decision means the Yankees cannot negotiate with either player until May 1st.

In perhaps a more interesting move, the team did offer arbitration to first baseman Don Mattingly on the same day that it acquired Tino Martinez in a trade with Seattle. Mattingly left the team after the season and said he was contemplating retirement. He instructed the Yankees to pursue other options at first base.

Mattingly hit .288 last year, but struggled in the power department. He slugged seven home runs and drove in 49 r-b-i's.

McDowell joined the Yankees prior to last season and had an up-and-down campaign. He finished 15-10 with a 3.93 e-r-a in the role of Yankee ace most of the season.

The loss of Stanley was a forgone conclusion after New York traded with Colordao for catcher Joe Girardi last month. Stanley batted .268 and was second on the club with 18 homers.

New York also offered arbitration to veteran relief pitcher Rick Honeycutt, whom they acquired in a late-season trade with Oakland.

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