He’s available, right?

From the New York Daily News’ John Harper.

There are indications that George Steinbrenner’s desire for a Billy Martin-type fix were filtering down to the ballclub. Not that he needs much prompting on the subject, but apparently Steinbrenner began all but chanting the late Martin’s name after Michael Kay raised the subject on the YES postgame show after Friday’s loss to the Twins. Kay said that maybe Joe Torre should throw a fit in the clubhouse in classic Martin fashion, maybe turn over the food spread or something to try to awaken his slumbering team.

Kay is well aware that Steinbrenner watches the YES telecasts religiously, but said yesterday he hadn’t been told that his words had an impact on Steinbrenner, and he made a point of saying that surely wasn’t his intent.

“I know it’s not Joe’s style, but I think that’s why it might get players’ attention,” Kay said when asked about it.