Report Says Steinbrenner Picks Bradley

In the latest--and probably most important move of a front-office shakeup, George Steinbrenner has picked George Bradley, the Yankees’ vice president of player personnel, to succeed him as the boss of their baseball operations, two team sources said Sunday night, Newsday reported in today’s editions.

Steinbrenner also reportedly has stripped General Manager Pete Peterson of his front-office powers, although it was not immediately clear whether Peterson was fired or was asked to remain in the organization in a lesser role.

The moves are to be announced today, just before Steinbrenner--barring a reprieve from a federal judge in Cleveland--must resign as managing general partner of the Yankees under his July 30 agreement with commissioner Fay Vincent. Steinbrenner must submit a letter of resignation to Vincent by 5 p.m. Eastern time, although his resignation officially takes effect at midnight.