Now Nomar Garciaparra has heard Joe Torre's recruiting pitch over the phone. "I made a couple of calls to [Garciaparra]," Torre said yesterday morning at the Pierre Hotel, where he was on hand for a HELP USA fund-raiser to fight domestic violence. Torre doesn't phone every free agent the Yankees engage. His firm but soothing voice is saved for the players the Yankees want and who might require prodding. In the 32-year-old Garciaparra's case, Torre's voice could be the difference between Garciaparra landing in The Bronx or going to Cleveland or Houston to play the outfield. A friend of Garciaparra's said he could make a decision before the weekend. While the Yankees and agent Arn Tellem refuse to discuss specifics, it's believed they are talking about a one-year deal in the $4 million range for Garciaparra, who earned $8.25 million last year with the Cubs when he was limited to 62 games because of a groin injury. While the Yankees are looking at Garciaparra to play first, Torre deflected questions about first base, currently manned by Jason Giambi. However, Torre is convinced Garciaparra can help the Yankees. "It was more of a general call," Torre said when asked if first base was discussed. "He would be a benefit to us, he could be very important for us."