Yankee Changes Begin With Hitting Coach

Rick Down is out as the New York Yankees’ hitting coach, the first move in what figures to be a tumultuous off-season for a team that came within two wins of the World Series title.

Down was told he will not be asked to return next season, a Yankee official said Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

“I think we all knew it was coming,” Down said from his home in Las Vegas. “Whether they wanted to keep me or not is not up to me. Change of face is the reason given to me.”

New York struggled at the plate during key moments in the World Series and lost to the Florida Marlins in six games, certainly a big reason Down is out.

New York batted .140 with runners in scoring position during the World Series.

There probably will be more changes to Manager Joe Torre’s coaching staff. Bench coach Don Zimmer has said several times he won’t be back, citing owner George Steinbrenner as the reason, and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre isn’t sure whether he wants to return.

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State money to help build a new ballpark in Miami for the Marlins is a possibility, depending on how much the team wants, Gov. Jeb Bush said.

“Every sports team, every stadium built [in Florida] has had state support,” Bush said. “But if the request is so large that it begins to cut into priorities, that makes it a little more difficult.”

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Atlanta pitcher Greg Maddux filed for free agency and Yankee left-hander David Wells filed provisionally, not waiting for the team’s decision on his 2004 option. Philadelphia pitcher Kevin Millwood also was among the 16 players who filed, raising the total to 149 since the World Series ended.

Players cannot start discussing money with clubs other than their own until Nov. 10.

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The Angels will open next season in the United States after all. General Manager Bill Stoneman said he had been told by major league officials that the Angels would not open in Japan.

The Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics are expected to play there if a season-opening series can be arranged.

Angel outfielder Garret Anderson won his second consecutive Silver Slugger award, voted by managers and coaches as one of the three top-hitting outfielders in the American League.

Tennis

Wimbledon champion Roger Federer beat qualifier Thierry Ascione, 7-6 (5), 6-1, to reach the third round of the Paris Masters. Also, Gustavo Kuerten beat Mark Philippoussis, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (11), 7-6 (1).

Ninth-seeded Meghann Shaughnessy beat Ashley Harkleroad, 6-3, 6-1, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Advanta Championships at Villanova, Pa.

Miscellany

The U.S. Olympic Committee began decertifying the U.S. Taekwondo Union after the group rejected a series of changes to resolve organizational and financial problems.

The USOC told the USTU earlier this year it could avoid decertification if its president, Sang Lee, and treasurer resigned, and if the group accepted other changes.

The USTU rejected the plan late Wednesday.

Taekwondo athletes are still eligible for the 2004 Athens Games with the USOC likely to take over selection of the U.S. team.

Unbeaten Ivan Hernandez (15-0, 10 knockouts) will meet Roberto Lopez (22-14, 9) for the vacant North American Boxing Assn. junior-bantamweight title in the main event of tonight’s Golden Boy Promotions card at the Irvine Marriott.

Tickets can be purchased at the Irvine Marriott beginning at 9 a.m. today.

Marc Meyers was elected president of the Southern California Golf Assn. at its annual meeting Tuesday.