New York ? Don Mattingly has been making managerial moves with the New York Yankees for several seasons – in his head.

“I’ve heard that experience thing come up a lot,” he said, “but in my own mind I’ve been managing for the last four years, and to be honest with you, as a player you’re playing along the whole time.”

After four seasons as a coach, Mattingly was interviewed Tuesday to replace departed manager Joe Torre. Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi interviewed a day earlier, and first-base coach Tony Pena is due to speak with team officials today.

Mattingly is considered the leading candidate for the job. Hank Steinbrenner said Monday four or five people would be interviewed, but it’s possible the candidates will be limited to the trio.