Yankees bring back Girardi's coaching staff

The Yankees announced yesterday that their 2009 coaching staff, which was exceedingly popular among the players, would return this season.

All of the coaches' contracts, except hitting coach Kevin Long's, had expired after the season. Besides Long, Dave Eiland (pitching coach), Mike Harkey (bullpen), Mick Kelleher (first base), Tony Pena (bench) and Rob Thomson (third) will return.

Long mentored a lineup that led baseball in nearly every major offensive category, including home runs (244), runs (915), on-base percentage (.362) and slugging percentage (.478). Eiland oversaw a staff that tied for third in the AL in ERA (4.26).

The Yankees avoided salary arbitration with Sergio Mitre, agreeing to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal for $850,000 with the pitcher.

Cone leaving YES

David Cone has left YES after two seasons as an analyst, the network announced. There is talk he might seek a role with the players' union. Cone cited a desire to spend more time with his family. "If I do return to broadcasting, YES would be my first choice," he said in a statement.

Hinske to the Braves?

A person familiar with the negotiations says Eric Hinske and the Braves have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract. Hinske hit .242 with eight homers and 25 RBIs for Pittsburgh and the Yankees last season.