Tulsa World: Yankees are looking ahead following title

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Yankees are looking ahead following title
New World Series champions focus on quest for next title.

Chris Sessa (left) and Shawn Kunkle, employees of Signs USA Inc., in Tampa, Fla., change the numbers Thursday on the championship sign outside the New York Yankees minor league complex in Tampa. Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

By RONALD BLUM Associated Press
Published: 11/6/2009 2:26 AM
Last Modified: 11/6/2009 6:28 AM

NEW YORK — The sign men were out bright and early at the Yankees minor league complex, sticking vinyl strips with a fresh, white "27" over the "26" that had been up on the board for nine, long years to mark the team's total of World Series titles.

Wind caused a few problems at the Himes complex in Tampa, Fla., but eventually the numbers were posted along with a new "2009" in what had been an open blue space below "2000."

"It's a ton of joy," manager Joe Girardi said on WFAN radio later in the day. "There's a sense of relief because you know that you could rest your mind a little bit for a while."

Turmoil and turnover ceased in Yankeeland, at least for the moment.

A 7-3 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night had brought the title back to the Bronx, etching the names of Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, CC Sabathia and others into the team's long list of champions.

"Every World Series victory is special, but this one is especially sweet coming in the first year in our new home," owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. "This group will become legendary — similar to the 26 world championship teams that preceded them."

Even though the clubhouse was still wet with champagne Thursday and the triumphant parade through the Canyon of Heroes was a day away, attention already was turning to the future.

Girardi said he was likely to switch from uniform No. 27 to No. 28 next year, signifying the next quest.

But which players will the Yankees add for their title defense? Are the likes of John Lackey and Matt Holliday in the mix?

"Basically, you have got to get after it," general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday. "It pretty much comes pretty quick. I'll be in Chicago with the other GMs on Monday. Two trades already have taken place."

Matsui, the World Series MVP, is eligible for free agency as is Andy Pettitte, who beat the Phillies in Games 3 and 6. So is Johnny Damon.

Matsui, limited to designated hitter because of bad knees, wants to return.

So does Damon, bothered by leg and back pain.

The 37-year-old Pettitte needs time to decide whether to retire or return for a 16th major league season and try for a sixth World Series ring.

"I have to talk with my family," he said.

There may not be room for Damon, who turned 36 Thursday, and the 35-year-old Matsui, especially if the Yankees land Holliday, the top available free-agent slugger on the market.

Damon and Holliday both are represented by the same agent, Scott Boras.

Holliday filed for free agency Thursday.

"They could play Matt Holliday in right field, too," Boras said. "He has a strong arm. They have needs for two outfielders."

Nick Swisher, who took over in right after Xavier Nady got hurt, hit just .128 with two RBIs in the postseason after batting .249 with 29 homers and 82 RBIs during the regular season.

The St. Louis Cardinals, who acquired Holliday, a Stillwater High School graduate, from Oakland in July, are expected to try to re-sign the 29-year-old.

"Certainly St. Louis has an interest in Matt," Boras said. "Matt had a very enjoyable time there."

The Yankees figure to be after pitching, too, and Lackey figures to be the top available free-agent starting pitcher. By RONALD BLUM Associated Press

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If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

	Report Comment Arbythree, Tulsa (11/6/2009 9:36:53 AM) Enough with the Spankees.
	Report Comment Steff M, Claremore (11/6/2009 12:38:49 PM) Gotta find a way to keep Godzilla and Damon and talk Pettitte into coming back. Don't need Lackey or Holliday to repeat.

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