Steinbrenner’s Son-in-Law to Keep His Position With Yankees

George Steinbrenner may be returning to the New York Yankees Monday as principal owner with control of the franchise, but he will not revoke the position of general partner from Joe Malloy, his son-in-law.

Molloy visited spring-training camp Thursday and said he would remain in the position he assumed March 12, 1992. Molloy succeeded Robert Nederlander, who resigned the previous December after then-Commissioner Fay Vincent rejected Daniel McCarthy’s nomination.

“That matter has been resolved, and I will be staying in that role,” Molloy said. “There are a lot of administrative duties I’m sure Mr. Steinbrenner isn’t interested in. I don’t think he feels he has to sign the checks, for example. We did the things we had to do over the last year to put us in the right direction, so Mr. Steinbrenner’s return is a matter of enhancing what has been done.”

Molloy said that retaining his title does not alter the fact Steinbrenner has the final say. “The perception that this is a dictatorship is not always the case,” Molloy said, “although sometimes you have to say, ‘This is it.’ How we go about saying that is different.”

Molloy acknowledged “there is some apprehension” among Yankees employees about Steinbrenner’s return from a 2 1/2-year suspension. He also said he thinks Steinbrenner will be pleased with the state of the team.

“With the way Buck (Showalter) has operated the camp, it’s evident we’re working to win and building for the future at the same time,” Molloy said. “We’re the team of the ‘90’s. The health of our farm system and the game plan for this year is a combination that puts us on the right track.”

The Yankees may be interested if the Expos decide to trade right-hander Dennis Martinez, who is reportedly upset because Montreal hasn’t responded to his desire for a contract extension. “It’d come down to money, whether to give a three-year deal to a 38-year-old pitcher,” one Yankees official said.

The Expos have long had interest in Kevin Maas and Hensley Meulens, who no longer figure prominently in Yankees plans. The Yankees would have to yield a young pitcher as well, possibly Bob Wickman. The front office has been on hold until Steinbrenner returns.

General Manager Gene Michael dismissed a rumor that the Yankees and Blue Jays were working on a deal involving Pat Borders. Michael said he spoke with Toronto over the winter about the catcher, but said, “They want too much in return.” Wickman, who was signed Thursday, and infielder Randy Velarde reportedly are coveted by the Jays. ... Velarde is working out with the catchers. “We’re looking at Randy in that role for strictly emergency cases,” Showalter said. “If we go with only two catchers, we’ll need someone to handle the position in an emergency.”... Pitchers Steve Farr and Sam Militello have slight hamstring pulls. Showalter said both will continue their throwing schedules but will be monitored closely.