1. Cashman's back on a 3-year deal.  We've read that it's in the neighborhood of $2 million per year.  Can you confirm that?

I don't have the exact specifics, but it's definitely three years in that $6 million neighborhood, yes.
 

2. There was obviously friction between Hank and Cash.  Was there a deal made between the two?  Is there a possibility that Cashman will continue to be overruled?  Have you heard of any players that Hank wants to target who Cashman does not?
 
That friction came over the Santana deal, but I don't think there was much otherwise. I'm sure it didn't make Cash's job easier when Hank would start barking to the press, but it seems like the baseball decisions were left to the baseball people. Cashman knows that the team needs to go after some big fish in the free agent pond this winter, so I don't think it will be much of an issue. When it comes to free agents, you would think Hank and Hal will certainly be in favor of targeting the big guys, so they'll just have to green-light Cash to write the big checks.
 

3. What's the schedule for the Yankees front office as they enter the offseason?
 
The organizational meetings will start on Thursday of this week.  Free agents can start filing after the Series is over, then teams can start making offers 15 days after the Series ends. I imagine the Yankees will try to take care of business quickly, but pitchers won't sign until Sabathia sets the market and hitters will wait for Teixeira to do the same, so figure most signings drag into December.
 

4. Have you heard any whispers of any coaching changes?
 
We know  Bobby Meacham isn't coming back, but the rest of the staff seems safe. It will be interesting to see who they hire as third base coach. I don't see Willie Randolph or Larry Bowa coming back, as they would be an immediate threat to Girardi the moment things start going bad next year. I like the idea of hiring Luis Sojo.  The players respect him, he's an organization guy, and I think he could be the perfect guy to give Cano a kick in the rear end. He also worked exceptionally well with A-Rod at third base in 2004-05 when he was on the staff.
 

5. Let's talk free agents.  Obviously, Sabathia and Teixeira are the prize free agents this offseason.  Considering Cashman's recent comments about a budget, do you think it's possible that the Yankees could sign both?  Do they have preference for one over the other?
 
If they can get only one, Sabathia's the guy. The offense had some problems this year, but with Posada back in Molina's place and better years from A-Rod and Cano, things can't be as bad as they were. They need a big horse at the top of the rotation and CC is that guy. I think Teixeira stays in Anaheim, because the Angels need his bat more than they need another big arm. Baltimore is also believed to be ready to make a huge offer for Teixeira. The Yankees will go for the pitching.
 

6. Say that the Yankees don't sign Teixeira.  What happens at 1B?
 
Good question, maybe the most interesting of the offseason. Posada could see some time at first base, but they'll probably sign a veteran or trade for one - think a Kevin Millar type, though not necessarily him - who can play 90-100 games. I doubt Juan Miranda gets much of a shot. I don't think the Yankees can sign a Teixeira-type to a long-term deal, because Posada will likely need to play first base by 2010 or 2011.
 

7. What other free agents are the Yankees discussing?  Please tell us that Manny Ramirez is not one of them.
 
I find it hard to believe that Manny won't stay in Los Angeles, but you never know.  The only way I see Manny winding up at home in New York is if the Yankees are spurned by all of their other targets such as Sabathia, Burnett, Lowe and Sheets.  The last thing the Yankees need is another mid-to-late 30s outfielder, even if Damon and Matsui's contracts are up after this year. Manny is still one of the best hitters in the game, but you have to wonder how he'll respond to a new contract.
 

8. We're assuming that the front office will let Abreu walk.  Are we correct in that assumption?  If so, is the front office comfortable with Xavier Nady as the full-time RF.
 
Yes, I think Abreu is gone, though I believe he did a terrific job during his 2 1/2 years in the Bronx. If Abreu was willing to take a two-year deal, I'd say he would be back. But at 34, I'm pretty sure he'll want - and get - a three-year contract, and I don't see the Yankees giving it to him. Nady should be fine in right field. He proved he could handle the pressure of New York and is still young. He'll also be playing for a new contract, which tends to be a good thing when it comes to their production.
 

9. What are the odds that Mussina and/or Pettitte are Yankees next season?
 
I'll put Mussina at 20% and Pettitte at 70% as far as coming back. Mussina will probably retire, not wanting to put in the three years it would take to get to 300 wins. The Yankees would probably love to have Mussina back, but I think the idea of hanging it up after his 20-win season is very appealing to him, and his family wants him home.
 
As for Pettitte, the Yankees will need arms to throw innings. Let's assume for a moment that Sabathia signs with the Yanks. They now have Sabathia, Wang, Joba, Hughes and Aceves. After last year's disaster, they're not going to war with 2-3 young starters in the rotation, especially with the potential innings-limit problems. Pettitte was terrible in the final two months last year, but his shoulder was hurting. He still managed to give them 204 innings, which is more than you can say for anyone other than Mussina. If he's healthy, Pettitte can still pitch as a No. 3-4 starter.
 

10. Jake Peavy -- any substance behind this rumor?  If so, any early word on what it would take to get the deal done.
 
I honestly don't know if there's any substance to it, but I would be stunned if the Padres dealt him. He's signed for $8 million this year, then $15M in 2010, $16M in 2011, $17M in 2012 and has a $22M option in 2013. Given the cost of starting pitching these days - remember, Carlos Freakin' Silva got four years and $48M last year as a free agent - why would the Padres deal this guy? If he was on the block, though, I'd imagine it would take Cano and Hughes for starters, and even that might not be enough based on the fact that Cano is due $27M over the next three years.
 

11. How does this organization feel about Robinson Cano?
 
Cano certainly frustrated the Yankees last year, but I don't think they're ready to give up on him. He was considered one of the best young players in the game just eight months ago, but his 2008 was dreadful. Next season will be crucial for him, since he'll either prove that 2008 was the exception or the rule. Trading him now makes little sense unless you can get a guy like Peavy, though, since his value is at its lowest.
 

12. CF: Do you see the Yankees acquiring a CF, or using Melky/Gardner with the hopes that Austin Jackson will be ready sometime in 2009?
 
There aren't many center fielders out there. I know David DeJesus' name has come up a lot, but I don't know what it would take to pry him away from the Royals. Gardner could get a shot in the spring, but I think Melky is out of the picture. The guess here is that they bring in a veteran to challenge Gardner for the job, though the market is very, very thin. Of course, if the Yankees think they need to add a bat and they can't find one at first base, there are corner outfielders (Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell, to name two) who could be added, moving Johnny Damon back to center.
 

13. Lightening round, son.  Will the following players be in pinstripes next season?

Johnny Damon - Yes. Likely in left field.
Hideki Matsui - Yes. He'll DH almost every day.
Ian Kennedy - Will spend most of the year in Scranton, but could be given another shot to fill in for an injury.
Phil Hughes - Absolutely. He'll be the No. 5 starter.
 

14. When playing Monopoly, which piece do you prefer to use?
 
I love dogs, but I'm allergic to them. I'm not allergic to little metal dogs, however, so I usually use that one. Not much of a thimble or iron kind of guy and I tend to shy away from top hats. The convertible is my second choice.