Oct 19, 2005 3:14 AM EST

Talks between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone are heating up, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday.

"Leo is very good at what he does," Yankees manager Joe Torre told the paper at a news conference in New York on Tuesday, the first time Torre has spoken publicly since his team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Anaheim Angels.

"I was managing the Braves when Leo was in the minor-league system over there. So he wouldn't be a stranger to me. ... I'm going to be consulted. I hope that what I have to say goes a long way."

Via ESPN