Cashman: Mussina mulling retirement, Matsui is a DH going forward

Brian Cashman answered some questions about the state of the Yankees going into the off season in a press conference earlier today. He mentioned that Mike Mussina is definitely mulling retirement, and that some of the Yankees' free agents to be might not be back next season:

The Yankees have a pair of veteran starting pitchers set for free agency in Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina, both of whom are mulling retirement on some level. Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu and Carl Pavano are also among the team's notable free agents, and the Yankees will not bring all -- or even necessarily any -- of them back.

"In some of these cases, some of these guys are going to go without having the chance to win a world championship," Cashman said.

Cashman said that retirement is "something that's weighing on [Mussina's] mind," but it is "certainly possible." The Yankees could reach out to him if their plans to address the starting rotation via free agency or trades do not pan out.

It sounds like Mussina is seriously considering retirement, but keep in mind that it would not be the end of the world for the Yankees. It also sounds like Jason Giambi won't be back either:

With Giambi up for free agency, several players have lobbied to play first base for at least a portion of the season, including Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.

Cashman said that playing either out of position is not something he gravitates toward -- Cashman prefers the idea of Matsui as a DH and likes the range Damon offers in the outfield.

"I'd like to put a first baseman at first, rather than have somebody who's trying to step up on behalf of the team," Cashman said.

That last quote give me confidence that the organization will be very aggressive in pursuing Mark Teixeira, who I think would be a perfect fit for the team. He'll definitely be expensive, but the Yankees will have the money to spend this off season. How often does a switch-hitting, gold glove first baseman that hits for power and average come along? The Yankees need him.

I like Matsui as a DH, and I think Damon did a great job in left field this season. I''d be happy with a Damon-Gardner-Nady outfield, with Melky serving as a solid fourth.

I think it should be noted that Padres' GM Kevin Towers has declared every player on the major league roster as "tradable." Perhaps a Cano/Kennedy/Igawa/Coke package would fetch Jake Peavy? Probably not, but it would certainly help the Yankees.

Meanwhile, Anthony McCarron of the NY Daily News is reporting that Joe Girardi thinkg Jorge Posada could catch at least 120 games next year. Fortunately, Jose Molina is ready to condition differently this winter, and will hopefully be in better shape going into next season. The Yankees may still want to invest in a few third string catchers, but you have to love Molina's attitude.