Steinbrenner Says He Won’t Criticize Torre

New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner tried to diffuse any simmering trouble with Joe Torre, insisting Thursday he won’t criticize the manager.

“I’ve tried to be a good owner and I consider Joe Torre to be a good friend,” Steinbrenner said in a statement.

“I support him totally and will not be critical of Joe in any way,” he said.

Thursday afternoon’s game between New York and Tampa Bay was rained out. Earlier in the day, Torre stood by comments in which he said he thought he deserved more credit for the team’s success and was disturbed that conversations within the team had become public.

“I just try to be as honest and respectful as I can be,” Torre said. “I respect him all the time. He’s my boss. I certainly didn’t want to stir up anything. If it comes out of my mouth, I take responsibility. I don’t regret what I said. It’s not anything I didn’t say before.”

The Yankees have won four World Series championships since Torre took over as manager in 1996.

Also Thursday, the Yankees said center fielder Bernie Williams might start hitting off a tee today as he continues his rehabilitation after knee surgery.

Williams underwent surgery May 27 to remove torn cartilage in his left knee. He could rejoin the Yankees by the All-Star break.

The Yankees put reliever Antonio Osuna on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained groin and purchased the contract of pitcher Mike Thurman from triple-A Columbus.

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The Colorado Rockies traded All-Star shortstop Jose Hernandez to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Mark Bellhorn and minor league pitcher Travis Anderson.

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The Seattle Mariners sent reliever Giovanni Carrara outright to triple-A Tacoma.

Mariner Manager Bob Melvin said switch-hitter John Mabry would be activated from the disabled list today.

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The Colorado Rockies gave outfielder Gabe Kapler his unconditional release.... The Texas Rangers recalled left-hander Mario Ramos from triple-A Oklahoma and optioned right-handed pitcher R.A. Dickey to Oklahoma.... The St. Louis Cardinals put second baseman Miguel Cairo on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken finger and recalled infielder Bo Hart from triple-A Memphis.... St. Louis Manager Tony La Russa and Pittsburgh Manager Lloyd McClendon have been picked by Dusty Baker to be the NL coaches for the All-Star game.