Deal Set for Ex-Yankees

Two former New York Yankee players who allegedly assaulted a Fenway Park groundskeeper during the 2003 American League championship series in Boston could have charges against them dropped if they perform community service and possibly undergo counseling.

Prosecutors planned to propose at a court hearing today that Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia each perform 50 hours of community service and undergo an anger management evaluation. They also want the two to complete any appropriate counseling within six months.

If those requirements are completed, the assault and battery charges would be dismissed, a Suffolk County (Mass.) district attorney’s spokesman said Monday.

Nelson, 37, now plays for the Texas Rangers. Garcia, 28, was released in August by the Baltimore Orioles.

Prosecutors said they considered a number of factors, including the players’ lack of any prior criminal records and their “histories of family and community involvement.�

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Buddy Bell wants a chance to manage a contending team instead of a rebuilding one, and sees the Philadelphia Phillies as a perfect situation. That his son, David Bell, is the starting third baseman has nothing to do with it.

“He’s comfortable with the situation,� the elder Bell said after his interview. “He’s more established than he was six or seven years ago. I have no problem, and he says he’s comfortable and that’s all I care about.�

Bell was the fourth candidate to interview for the managerial position after Larry Bowa was fired.