The Boss? The Big Apple? Nope, try Joe Torre.

It was the Yankees manager's influence that carried the most weight in securing Mike Mussina last offseason, a phone call that played a key part in landing the free-agent pitcher in the Bronx.

And with New York again in the thick of the free-agent hunt, Torre said he'd answer the call if principal owner George Steinbrenner chooses to go after Oakland's Jason Giambi.

"If that's where we're going, sure I would," Torre told The New York Times on Tuesday. "But I'm not sure that's where we're going."

Teams cannot begin negotiations with free agents until Nov. 20, but the Yankees will soon have to decide which direction they will take at first base. After a poor offensive performance in their World Series loss to Arizona, do the Yankees pursue power hitter Giambi? Or, do they re-sign Tino Martinez, who is defensively better than the 30-year-old Giambi?

The two players' personalities couldn't be more different, and The Times reported that one person who has spoken to Giambi said that he was concerned about whether Giambi's "free-spirited" personality would fit in with the more reserved Yankees' clubhouse.

It's not a concern for Torre.

"If something had to be cleared up with him on that, I would do it," Torre told the paper. "We never try to control anyone's personality. I think it's important that everybody has to be what they are."

One thing going for Martinez was his strong season in 2001 (He had 34 homers and 113 RBI), and was by far the most consistent bat for the Yankees. The other is Martinez's price tag. While Giambi will likely want at least $18 million a year over six-to-seven years, Martinez, 33, might settle for a three-year commitment for much less. But the Yanks might not want to offer him three years.

"I don't think it's a home-team discount with the Yankees," Martinez told The Times. "I think it's whether or not they want me back to help them win. I don't think they're going to try to save money at first base. I think they want to get the right person for the job whether it be me or someone else."

Martinez also scoffed at the idea his possible return was predicated on finances.

"With the Yankees, does money really matter?" Martinez said. "Whatever they offer me, I don't know what it's going to be, if they even offer me anything. They can go out and get whoever they want at $20 million a year."

And what if the Yankees lose out on Giambi and make Martinez their second choice? Would Martinez return under those circumstances?

"That's a tough question," Martinez said.

And if Steinbrenner chooses to heavily pursue Giambi, it will likely be a tough pill to swallow for both Yankees players and fans alike. Many in the New York clubhouse have already voiced Martinez's importance on and off the field, especially with the retirement of Paul O'Neill. Torre is no exception.

"I'd love to have Tino back because he's tried and proven and it's not easy playing here," Torre said. "Again, he's a free agent. Where do you go here? I don't know. I really don't know."