The Yankees have declined Tino's option, deciding to pay him $250,000 to void his contract rather than $3,000,000 to play for us next season.

"I know the team has to get younger," Martinez said in a telephone interview. "I totally agree with that."...

"Tino's been a terrific Yankee," Cashman said. "But we have a kid knocking on the door in Phillips, so we should see what he can do. I'm not locked into it, but I'm gravitating toward using him there." ...

He reiterated on Tuesday that he was satisfied with his role last season, as his 303 at-bats represented his lowest total since 1991, when he played just 36 games with Seattle.

"I had a great time," Martinez said of his 2005 season. "I'm thankful for the time I had with the Yankees."

I still say that if our choice is Tino or Olerud, I'd take Tino. Nonetheless, he's handling it well and is a model for older players to follow. Thanks for everything, Tino.