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Yankees celebrate, but look to next season

The New York Yankees were busy upgrading the signage at their major and minor stadiums, shops and other facilities on Thursday, replacing “26” with “27” to mark the team’s total of World Series titles.

“It’s a ton of joy,” manager Joe Girardi said on WFAN radio. “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 the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday brought the title back to the Big Apple, 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 on Thursday and the triumphant parade on Broadway was a day away, attention was already 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 pitcher John Lackey and slugger Matt Holliday on their radar?

“Basically, you have got to get after it,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “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 on 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.

“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 playoffs after batting .249 with 29 homers and 82 RBIs during the regular season. But the St Louis Cardinals, who acquired Holliday in July, are expected to try to re-sign the 29-year-old.

The Yankees will be after pitching, too, and Lackey should be the top available free-agent starting pitcher. New York used just three starting pitchers throughout the playoffs — Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Pettitte — deciding not to take a chance on starting Joba Chamberlain or Chad Gaudin. New York became the first Series champion with just three starters since the 1991 Minnesota Twins.

Wang Chien-ming had shoulder surgery in July and can’t be counted on for the start of next season. Depending on offseason events, Chamberlain and Phil Hughes could wind up in the rotation or the bullpen.
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