With a restless owner, a seemingly limitless payroll and a punchless performance in the World Series, the Yankees will almost certainly add an elite hitter this winter.

The Mets, of course, had a chance to add an elite hitter during spring training but resisted the Dodgers' efforts to trade them outfielder Gary Sheffield.

But Giambi rebounded to hit 32 homers and drive in 87 runs, restoring his reputation as an elite hitter.

Torre has never said he is certain that Giambi can again be an elite hitter.

Rondell White is trying to prove he can stay healthy and be an elite hitter; he homered and drove in two runs.

Matsui is not the first elite Japanese hitter to sign with a major league team, but he is the first power hitter to make the jump.

Rogers Hornsby began to establish himself as an elite hitter.

The successive injury-marred seasons reduced his marketability, and Garciaparra sought a short-term deal in the hope of re-establishing himself as an elite hitter.

He knows how many people thought he was finished as an elite hitter, how many people considered him a product of steroids and little else.

Steinbrenner thirsts for elite hitters, does not tolerate losing and will probably ratchet up his ranting all winter.