Steinbrenner mentioned his vice president for major league scouting in assessing the Yankees' problem.

The Red Sox had requested permission to interview Michael, the Yankees' vice president for major league scouting, who is under contract through 2003.

But then a scout from the major league scouting bureau made the same discovery and the entire baseball world found out about Lee Smith.

Gene Michael preceded Watson and eventually took a less strenuous role, overseeing major league scouting.

In February, we attend the league scouting combine, where most of the best players work out.

He became a scout for the team, watching games played in East Coast cities, then was named director of major league scouting.

Promoted Ricky Bennett to assistant director, minor league scouting.

Instead he became the team's director of major league scouting for $150,000.

Promoted scout Tom Giordano to special assistant to the general manager for major league scouting.

"He has a pretty weak stroke," said the head of one major league scouting department.